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I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I 



i J 

J UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. \ 







THE 



LIFS* 



OF 

LATE OF JOHNSTON, R. I. 

A PREACHER IN THE FREE-WIIjIj BAPTIST 

-CONx\EXION 5 

AND A 

MEMBER OF THE R. I. Q. MEETING, 



-WRITTEN BIT HIMSEZiF, 



S'.VBLISHED BY THE R. I. Q. MEETING, 



PROVIDENCE: 

OFFICE OF THE IK VESTIGATOE. 

J. B. Yerrinton, Printer, 

1828, 



.75 A3 



PREFACE. 

Brother Thornton, in his last sickness, gave direc- 
tions that after his decease his Journal should be left in 
the hands and at the disposal of a brother in the minis- 
try, whom he selected. If that brother, upon examining 
the manuscript, should think its publication would be 
useful, he was to have liberty to publish it, and the prof- 
its, if any, were to be his. The brother to whom it was 
thus committed, not wishing to receive personal emolu- 
ment from the writings and labours of another, but desir- 
ing that the work might be consecrated entirely to the 
cause of religion, presented it to the Rhode-Island Quar- 
terly Meeting. The subject was submitted to a com- 
mittee appointed for the purpose, who after having exam- 
ined the manuscript, reported, that in their opinion, its 
publication would tend to the edification of the pious and 
to the promotion of the cause of truth. The Meeting 
accepted this report, and appointed another committee to 
superintend its publication. This committee now have 
the pleasure of presenting it to the subscribers and to the 
public. They are aware, that the work has no claims to 
literary excellence. To this it does not pretend. 

The subject of the following Memoirs was not a favour- 
ed son of science. He did not enjoy the advantage of a 
public education. He was not trained up in College 
balls, nor was he designed by wealthy parents to fi|! ex- 
alted and lucrative stations in the church. lie had, \\g\. - 
ever, the advantages of an early common school educa* 



IV PREFACE. 

lion. He possessed a sound mind, a retentive memory, 
and a natural fondness for reading and reflection. He 
was far from despising the advantages of education. 
These he highly appreciated, and so far as his limited 
means and opportunities allowed, he improved his mind 
in useful knowledge. 

Soon after he became a hopeful subject of renewing 
grace', and was satisfied in his mind that he had " passed 
from death unto life."" he felt strong convictions that it 
was his duty to preach the gospel. To this great and 
glorious uork he early in life devoted himself, and in the 
performance of its sacred duties his whole heart and soul 
appeared to be engaged. In his public performances he 
was solemn, and in his manner manifested great earnest- 
ness and zeal. He spake as one who believed in his heart 
what his lips uttered. He often preached, 

"As if he ne'er should preach again, 
And as a dying man to dying men." 

Not satisfied with preaching Christ crucified to the peo- 
ple of his native State, he resolved to travel to distant 
parts, that he might proclaim this precious salvation to 
"other cities also." Accordingly, having made the ne- 
cessary preparations for his journey, on the 24th of May, 
1824, he bade adieu to the scenes of his childhood and 
youth, to the place of his nativity, endeared to him by a 
thousand tender recollections, to brothers and sisters, 
and. what to him was most of all affecting, to his aged 
parents, bowed down with the pressure of years, weeping 
and loath to let him go. But he sacrificed his natural 
feelings to his duty, and voluntarily entered upon the la- 
bours and deprivations of an humble Itinerant Minister 
of Jesus. His exertions in the cause of Christ were not 
in vain. Many sinners were, no doubt, through his in- 
strumentality, turned from the error of their way and 



Preface. . v 

converted to the Lord, and many saints, seme of whom 
are now living, could testify with what satisfaction and 
profit they listened to the blessed word of truth falling 
from his lips. By his amiable deportment, deep humility, 
ardent piety ;md ze.d in preaching the gospel, he endear- 
ed himself to m;.ny, both ministers and private brethren. 
But they will enjoy the pleasure of his society, they will 
witness his edifying example and exertions to build up 
the kingdom of the Redeemer among men no longer. — 
His labours and his sufferings on the earth are done. He 
will preach the gospel to dying sinners no more. In ear- 
ly life, in the midst of prospects and of usefulness, in al- 
most the commencement of his labours in the gospel 
ministry, he was called away. His blessed Master, whom 
he so ardently loved and so faithfully followed, said to 
him, " Come up higher." This little volume remains as 
a memento of what he had experienced and suffered and 
done in the cause of Christ. That it may encourage and 
animate in their labours his surviving brethren in the 
ministry, instruct and edify private Christians, awaken 
and alarm the careless sinner, and become profitable to 
every one into whose hands it may fall; is the sincere de- 
sire and fervent prayer of their sincere friend and un- 
worthy servant, Z. TOBEY. 
a2 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS 

ON THE FREE-WILL BAPTISTS* 



The Baptists as a denomination are distinguished from 
all other sects among Christians, on account of their pe- 
culiar views of the ordinance of baptism. They believe 
immersion, and that only is Gospel Baptism. Effusion 
and sprinkling is in their opinion anti-scriptural. They 
reject Infant Baptism, as it is called, and think that be- 
lievers are the only proper subjects of this rite. Although 
all Baptists entertain these sentiments upon the Ordinance 
of Baptism, yet upon many other subjects they are divid- 
ed. The five points of Calvinism constitute the most 
prominent line of division among them at the present day, 
and may very properly be considered as separating them 
into two grand divisions, viz : those who receive and 
those who reject the peculiar sentiments of C lvin. The 
former are called Calvinistic Particular or Association 
Baptists, the latter are called General, Arminian or Free 
Will Baptists. The Free Will Baptists as a denomina- 
tion originated in New-Durham, New-Hampshire, in the 
yea'' 1780. Elder Benjamin Randall a man of much 
knowledge, great zeal and deep experience in religious 
subjects, became much embarrassed in his mind respect- 
ing the doctrines of Calvinism. He began to doubt their 
feeing correct and scriptural. He therefore resolved to 
Jay aside all prejudices and prepossessions, and carefully 
to examine the scriptures for himself upon these momen- 
tous subjects. The result of this examination was that 
liis former sentiments, sentiments which he had embraced 
from education, and not from pergonal examination, were 
both inconsistent and unscriptural. Rejecting the dog- 
snas of his former system, he taught that all have sinned 
and come short of the glory of God ; that Christ died for 
«//; that the grace of God which bringeth salvation hath 
eppeared to all, and that the Minister of the Gospel may 
go into til the world and preach the Gospel to every 



8 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

creature — he that believeth and is baptized shall be sav- 
ed, and he that believeth not shall be damned. The sen- 
timents embraced and with great zeal propagated by El- 
der Randall, were thought by the Baptists with whom he 
was connected extremely dangerous and heretic 1. He 
■was therefore laboured with by the Church, and his 
brethren in the ministry endeavoured to convince him of 
liis supposed errors. He was, however, too fully persuad- 
ed of the correctness of hi<* principles, and too much at- 
tached to the doctrines of a Free Gospel, to be induced, 
either by their arguments or persuasions, to retract. Such 
was the force of argument with which he defended his 
own sentiments and such the ingenuity with which he ex- 
posed the inconsistencies in those of his opponents, that a 
number of his brethren in the ministry warmly espoused 
his cause and united with him in preaching the same 
doctrine. Among this number were Elders Pelatiah 
Tingley, an excellent man of liberal education, Samuel 
Weeks and some others, who with great diligence and 
zeal united with Elder Randall in preaching salvation 
free. 

The Lord greatly blessed the labours of these men of 
God, many brethren of different churches and denomina- 
tions embraced their opinions ; many sinners were con- 
verted through their instrumentality, and several churches 
in union with the church at New-Durham, were soon es- 
tablished. It is true they met with much opposition, and 
had frequent occasion to remember that saying of the 
Apostle, yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, 
shall suffer persecution. Opposition and persecution 
served only to make them more humble and increase their 
exertions in the blessed cause of their divine Master. 

The preachers travelled much from place to place, pro- 
claiming wherever they went the unsearchable riches of 
Christ to a guilty world. Revivals of religion among them 
were frequent ; quarterly and yearly meetings were in- 
stituted, and thus this sect, which at first was every where 
spoken against, by the blessing of God, greatly increased 
and prospered. 

To the labours of Elder John Colby is attributed, un- 
der God, the rise of this denomination in the State of 
Rhode-Island. In the year 1812 Elder Colby visited this 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

State- His preaching and labours in the gospel excited 
much attention, and were attended with glorious reforma- 
tions. A church was constituted in Burrillville, from 
which the work spread in different directions. Other 
preachers succeeded Elder Colby, whos; j labours were al- 
so blessed. The labours of Elder Joseph White in par- 
ticular, will long be gratefully remembered by the church- 
es here. Elder White for a number of years was settled 
in this State, having the pastoral care of several churches 
at the same time. His exertions were very great, and 
his labours arduous indeed, until his strength and health 
failing him, he was obliged for a while to suspend them. 
There are at present 10 Churches composing the Rhode- 
leland Quarterly Meeting, and between 700 ^nd 800 
communicants. In some parts of the State of New-York, 
in the State of Ohio and in the Canadas our c-use has 
been remarkably successful, many churches have within 
a few years past been formed, and a large body of breth- 
ren have arisen up who are happily united in the Lord. 

W r e are not able to give a statement of the exact num- 
ber at present belonging to the whole connexion, but c:m 
say in general terms, that considering the infant state of 
the denomination, and the obloquy and reproach that have 
been cast upon us, our number is much greater than our 
warmest friends could reasonably have anticipated. The 
Lord has greatly multiplied and blessed us on every hand; 
and never, perhaps, were our prospects, as a people, more 
flattering than at the present time. Almost every week 
brings intelligence that in some part of our Zion church- 
es are organised and additions made to cur number. 

Although we reject all written creeds and articles of 
faith except the Bible, taking that alone as the man of 
our counsel, and acknowledging its authority only in 
matters of faith and practice, yet we are perfectly willing 
to make publick our religious sentiments, and we feel it 
our duty to declare openly our views of the doctrine con- 
tained in this blessed word of truth. 

The following articles contain our sentiments on the 
subjects to which they relate. We give them in the lan- 
guage of another, Dr. Clarke. 



10 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

" 1. That there is but one uncreated, infinite and eternal 
being; the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things. 

2. That there is in this Infinite Essence a plurality of what 
are commonly called Persons, not separately subsisting, but 
essentially belonging to the Godhead ; which Persons are 
commonly termed Father, Son and Holy Ghost ; or God, 
the Logos, and the Holy Spirit : and these are generally 
named the Trinity; which term, though not found in the 
New Testament, seems properly enough applied, as we nev- 
er read of more than three Persons in the Godhead. 

3. That there is no salvation but through Christ ; and that, 
throughout the Scripture, His passion and death are consid- 
ered as sacrificial ; pardon and salvation being obtained by 
the shedding of His blood. 

4. That no human being, since the fall, either has or can 
have merit or worthiness of or by himself; and therefore has 
nothing to claim from God, but in the way of his mercy 
through Christ ; therefore, pardon, and every other blessing 
promised in the gospel, have been purchased by his sacrifi- 
cial death : and are given to men not on account of any 
thing they have done or suffered, or can do or suffer, but for 
His sake, or through his merit alone. 

5. That these blessings are received by faith, because not 
of works nor of sufferings. 

6. That the power to bdieve, or grace of faith, is the free 
gift of God ; without which none can believe : but that the 
act of faith, or actually believing, is the act of the soul, under 
the influence of that power. But, this power to believe, like 
all other gifts of God, may be slighted, not used, or misused ; 
in consequence of which is that declaration, "He that be- 
lieveth shall be saved ; but he that believeth not shall be 
damned." 

7. That justification, cr the pardon cf sin, is an instanta- 
neous act of God's infinite mercy, in behalf of a penitent soul, 
trusting only in the merits of Jesus Christ : that this act is 
absolute in respect of all past sin ; all being forgiven, where 
any is forgiven. 

8. That unless a believer live and walk in the spirit of obe- 
dience, he will fall from the grace of God, and forfeit all his 
Christian privileges and rights : in which state of backslid- 
ing he may persevere ; and, if so, perish everlastingly. 

9. That the whole period of human life is a state of proba- 
tion ; in every part of which a sinner may repent and turn to 
God; and in every part of it a believer may give way to sin 
and fall from grace : and that this possibility of rising, and 
liability to falling, are essential to a state of trial or probation. 

10. That all the promises p.ncl tbreatenings of the word cif 
•God are conditional, as they regard man in reference to his 



PRELIMINARY" REMARKS, IX 

being here and hereafter: and that on this ground alone the 
Sacred Writings can be consistently interpreted, or rightly 
understood. B J 

11. That man is a free agent, never being impelled by any 
necessitating influence either to do evil or good ; but has it 
continually in his power to choose the life or death that is 
set before him : on which ground he is an accountable being, 
and answerable for his own actions: and on this ground al- 
so, he is alone capable of being rewarded or punished. 

12. That his free will is a necessary constituent of his ra- 
tional soul ; without which man must be a mere machine 
either the sport of blind chance, or the mere patient of an 
irresistible necessity ; and, consequently, not accountable for 
any acts to which he was irresistibly impelled. 

13. That every human being has this freedom of will, with 
a sufficiency of light and power to direct its operations : and 
tnat this powerful light is not inherent in any man's nature : 
but is graciously bestowed by Him who is the true light that 
lighteneth every man that cometh into the world. 

14. That the soul is immaterial and immortal, and can sub- 
sist independently of the body. 

15. That there will be a general resurrection of the dead ; 
both of the just and unjust: that the souls of both shall be 
reunited to their respective bodies ; and that both will be im- 
mortal, and live eternally. 

16. That there will be a day of judgment, after which all 
shall be punished or rewarded according to the deeds done 
in the body : the wicked being sent to hell, and the righteous- 
taken into heaven. 

17. That these states of rewards and punishment shall 
have no end ; forasmuch as the time of probation or trial is- 
lor ever terminated ; and the succeeding state must necessa- 
rily be fixea and unalterable. 

18. That the origin of human salvation is found in the infi- 
nite philanthropy of God : and that, on this principle, the un- 
conditional reprobation of any soul is absolutely impossible." 

To these sentiments, and to the Free-will Baptist de- 
nomination, Br. Thornton was sincerely and firmly at- 
tached. To this cause he devoted the beH part of his 
short but laborious life. His aged father, now on the 
verge of the grave, very recently informed me he had no 
doub! but the journeyings, labours and exposures to which 
his son subjected himself in discharging what he deemed 
his duty, in preaching the gospel, blmight upon him the 
disease of which he died. 



22 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

These remarks may throw some light upon the nature 
■of the trials and sufferings through which our deceased 
brother, and many others among our most eminent preach- 
ers, have been called to pass in preaching and defending 
the doctrine of free salvation. 

Our denomination is yet in its infancy — it has hfid and 
continues to have many prejudices to contend with. Not 
possessing the wealth, and learning, and influence of old- 
er and longer established denominations, and withal 
feeling it duty to adhere as far as possible to the plainness 
and simplicity of the gospel, we have been looked upon 
hy many with contempt. Opprobrious epithets have not 
been wanting to bring our cause into disrepute. We 
have been called Free-willers, enthusiasts, ignorant, illit- 
erate, deluded. Notwithstanding all, there have been men 
(of whom our deceased brother was one) who were willing 
to spend and be spent in this cause, who were not asham- 
ed of the gospel of Christ — were not 

" Ashamed to own their Lord, 
Nor to defend his cause;" — 

men of whom it might be said, they "counted not their 
own lives de^r unto themselves, so they might finish their 
course with joy, and the ministry they had received of 
the Lord Jesus." They have finished their course, they 
have concluded their ministry, they have gone beyond the 
reach either of the censures or applauses of men — the flat- 
teries or frowns of the world — they have gone to that im- 
partial tribunal at which truth and righteousne-s alone 
can stand — before which all must, sooner or later, appear 

"When thou my righteous judge shall comej 
To call thy ransomed people home; 
Shall / among them stand ? ' 5 



THE 

mm &m wwrnsssm ■ 

OF 

ABEL. THORNTON. 

CHAPTER I. 

JSlder Thornton's birth and parentage; account of his early relig- 
ious impressions, and his subsequent conversion to God, to the 
time of his first serious impressions that it was his duty to en- 
gage in the work of the Gospel Ministry 

I was born in the town of Johnston, State 
of Rhode-Island, August 16th, 1799. I was 
born of reputable parents, although they 
were not professors of religion, and had two 
brothers and two sisters, and I was the young- 
est of the family. After I became large 
enough to go to school, my father sent me 
both summer and winter till I was nine years 
old ; after this, he being a farmer, kept me at 
home in the summer season to work on the 
farm, and sent me to school some every win- 
ter till I was in my 18th year. 

When I was small, I from time to time had 
serious inquiries in my mind about religion, 
death and futurity ; but was not particularly 
taught by any one respecting these things, 
and my own ideas being scanty upon these 
subjects, nothing especial occurred in my 
mind. 



14 

From the age of 15 to 20, I grew very in- 
different as to the things of religion — my 
mind was taken up with the things of the 
world and the vanities thereof. I delighted 
much in what is called civil mirth, and join- 
ed in most of the recreations which my youth- 
ful companions followed : my mind was as- 
piring for popularity, therefore I was found 
among the honourable of the world, and re- 
jected things of a low nature, or despised that 
which was thought to be dishonorable among 
the popular. My mind grew so much to the 
reverse of divine things, that I thought the 
happiness which I enjoyed was far superiour 
to that of religion, and often had a sorrow 
arising in my mind for young people when I 
heard of their embracing the cause of their 
Redeemer, thinking that they had denied 
themselves the comforts of the world. I had 
many future prospects before me, and often 
premised myself future happiness in the 
things of the world. 

The fall after I was 20. 1 was some alarm- 
ed by the sickness of one of my brothers, 
which brought him very near to the grave, 
but he again recovered, and through the mul- 
tiplicity of business and labour to which I had 
to attend at that time, my impression wore 
off, and I grew as thoughtless as ever. 

In the spring of 1820 a reformation com- 
menced in the region where I lived, through 
the instrumentality of Clarissa H. Danforth, 
a female preacher. Many of my companions 
in youth became subjects of the work: when 



15 

this first took place I found within me a 
heart of opposition, and like Galiio, I cared 
for none of these things. At length, by at- 
tending the meetings and hearing the preach- 
ing, an inquiry arose in my mind, and I be- 
gan to search whether these things were so. 
One week after attending a meeting at the 
Greene Acadamy and hearing C. H. Din- 
forth preach, my mind was much bent to 
meditate upon divine things. One day while 
at work with my father, I enquired of him to 
know what he thought, of religion and the 
reformation 1 He told me that he thought re- 
ligion to be a good" thing, and meetings in 
particular were necessary every Sabbath, to 
keep up good order and regulations, but he 
thought the people were in extremes at that 
time — had too many meetings and made too 
much confusion, but expected it would soon 
be over with ; and for his own part he be- 
lieved that if people lived morally, dealt 
honestly, and did to others as they would 
have others do to them, God would be mer- 
ciful to them, and it would be well in the end. 
I concluded to hear to his opinion, and troub- 
le myself no more at present about religion. 
From this time (it being I think in March) 
I passed along until the 14th of April uncon- 
cerned. By this time my brothers were un- 
der pungent conviction, and my oldest broth- 
er's wife had obtained ahope in Christ. This 
evening a young man who had lately expe- 
rienced religion, came to visit my oldest 
brother : my brother living near my father, 



16 

I was in at his house at the time. The young 
man began to converse with him upon the 
subject of religion, and told what he had 
passed through and experienced. In his 
conversation he told a number of visions of 
the night which he had passed through. He 
also related a dream which a man in the neigh- 
bourhood had dreamed and told to him, the 
amount of which I will relate : " He dream- 
ed the Judgment-day had come, and he view- 
ed the world on fire — at a distance saw the 
fire flashing over the rocks and mountains, 
and fast approaching to him." All this con- 
versation caused me once more to consider. 
I remembered to have heard of a judgment- 
day, and I knew not how soon I should be 
called to behold it. I went home and retir- 
ed to my bed chamber. I there began to 
take a view of my past life, and I discovered 
my days had been spent in sin — my own 
righteousness appeared like filthy rags, and 
I viewed myself to be poor, miserable, blind 
and naked, in a spiritual point of view. I 
found myself to have no hope, and to be with- 
out God in the world. When I lay down on 
my bed and shut my eyes, it appeared as 
though the judgment-day was fast approach- 
ing — I could view the great conflagration, 
and I thought this would be the last opportu- 
nity I should have to repent. Before I shut 
my eyes to sleep I concluded to make wise 
improvement of that opportunity, and prom- 
ised God if he would spare my life I would 
mend my ways, and serve him the remain- 



17 

der of my days. The next day the cry of 
my soul was. Lord shew me mercy. This 
day, while in my brother's house, his wife 
asked me if I did not want to start in the 
cause of religion, and be company with the 
young converts. I walked out of the house 
a little way, and returned back and told her 
I had started : she thought me to be in jest, 
therefore no more conversation passed be- 
tween us at that time. I went to my labour, 
which was plowing in the * field : I took a 
hymn book in my pocket, and frequently 
that afternoon took a view of the following 
hymn : 

" Wak'd by the gospel's powerful sound, 
My soul in, sin and thrawl I found 

Exposed to endless woe, 
Eternal truth did loud proclaim 
The sinner must be born again, 

Or down to ruin go, &c." 

I viewed myself exposed to ruin, and was 
very ignorant of the fountain of goodness, 
therefore I was led to think there was no 
mercy for me. The young converts met in 
the neighborhood this evening for conference 
meeting. I resolved to meet with them ; I 
accordingly did, but related my mind to no 
one while at the place, but on my way home 
I informed one of my present feelings. I 
passed the rest part of the week in sad lam- 
entation, mourning for my present situation, 
and felt an inward cry of " Lord save or I 
perish." 

I The Sunday following, C. H. Danforth 
preached at the north meeting-house in John-* 
b2 



18 

ston. I went to the meeting, and the preach- 
ing sunk deep in my heart. I immediately 
returned home from the meeting, and on my 
way I told a young man (one that had recent- 
ly experienced religion) my feelings and my 
determination. In the evening I went to 
meeting with him at Duty Winsor's, in 
Smithfield. The spirit of the Lord was pres- 
ent in this meeting, sinners wept and cried 
for mercy, while saints rejoiced to see the 
work of God, at the commencement of the 
meeting. I felt like a great sinner, because 
of the hardness of my heart — it seemed as 
though nothing would melt me into contri- 
tion ; but before the close of the meeting, the 
tears ran freely, my heart was softened, and I 
was not ashamed to let the world know that I 
wanted religion. After meeting, C. H. D. 
enquired of me if I had embraced religion, 
and I told her I had not, but that I had a de- 
sire to seek the Saviour. She exhorted me 
to look to the Lord for the pardon of my sins. 
I returned home with my resolution con- 
firmed, to die a beggar at the feet of Jesus, if 
I obtained no mercy without, for I thought I 
had rather remain seeking for mercy all my 
days, than to have my conviction wear off, 
and I return back into the world again or in- 
to my former practices. I continued to cry 
to the Lord for mercy. I viewed God to be 
just if he should cut me off and appoint my 
portion with hypocrites and unbelievers, for 
I had been an unbeliever and was already 
xsoiMiemned; not because Adam had sinned 



19 

was I condemned, neither because my pa- 
rents had not professed religion and had me 
sprinkled in nay infancy did I feel condemna- 
tion ; but because light had come into the 
world, and I had loved darkness rather than 
light — because God had called and I had re- 
fused, he had stretched out his arm and I had 
disregarded it. But notwithstanding justice 
cried cut the sinner down, yet I did not feel 
willing to be miserable. I have heard some 
say that they felt willing to be damned ;but 
if I had been willing to be miserable I should 
not have cried for mercy ; and I am apt to ' 
think that others do not seek for mercy as 
long as they are willing to be miserable, 
therefore, they must remain miserable as 
long as they are willing to be so, for our mis- 
ery consists in our unreconciliation to God, 
in our wills being contrary to his will, and 
as long as we are willing to be damned, our 
wills are contrary to God's will, for Peter 
tells us that God is not willing that any should 
perish but that all should come to repent- 
ance ; 2. Pet. 3d chap. ix. But to return to 
my experience. I continued from the time 
last mentioned to attend meeting every op- 
portunity that presented — I forsook all the 
merriments of life, and my companions that 
persisted in vanity, and from day to day I 
did go with a heavy heart, sorrowing for my 
iniquities, sometimes viewing them to be so 
many that I thought I could not be forgiven, 
and sometimes I thought I might once have 
repented, but now it was too late, JNotwithr 



20 

standing all this, I thought I could be no more 
than miserable if I sought the Lord, and I 
was sure of it if I did not : Therefore cry I 
would ; but I did not proceed far before I 
met with opposition. Some said I was a 
fool ; others said I should be crazy. Some 
said I had lived well enough without embrac- 
ing religion; and once I was told that I 
should not go to meeting so much as I had 
done ; but a disciple of Christ I was deter- 
mined to be, if I had to forsake father and 
mother, brothers and sisters, houses and lands. 
I began to search the scriptures, and soon 
took satisfaction therein ; for I found that 
God had so loved the world that he had given 
his only begotten Son. that whosoever be- 
lieveth in him should not perish, but have 
everlasting life. I soon began to take satis- 
faction in attending meetings, in being with 
the people of God, and in hearing them tell 
what the Lord had done for them, (though I 
felt myself unworthy of their company.) 
Preaching sounded different, and I often 
thought that preachers never preached so 
before : They would tell me all that ever I 
did, and my present feelings better than I 
could tell them myself: but I did not harbour 
a thought that God had forgiven my sins till 
the 17th of May, although there was a great 
change in my mind before that time. — The 
things I once delighted in I had begun to dis- 
like, and the things which I once disliked I 
now delighted in — my burden was gone in a 
measure, and I often had fears arising before 



31 

this day, that I was growing worse ; but on 
the 17th of May, 1820, while plowing alone 
in the field, I felt as though I must stop my 
team and try to pray once more to the Lord. 
I accordingly stopped and threw myself up- 
on the ground, and there raised my petition 
to that God who has styled himself a prayer 
hearing and a sin pardoning God. I arose 
without obtaining any satisfaction, and went 
to my labour : but I had not worked long be- 
fore I heard a still small voice as it were 
whispering in my ears, saying, thy sins are 
forgiven ; and another expression followed 
saying, " no man that putteth his hand to the 
plough and looketh back is fit for the king- 
dom of God :" but notwithstanding all this I 
was afraid I might be deceived ; therefore I 
prayed to the Lord to give me a further evi- 
dence the following night in a dream, which 
I accordingly received, and it set my soul to 
rejoicing, and I began to tell to all around 
what a Saviour I had found ; and I verily 
thought that I could make all believe that I 
talked with, how good the Lord and relig- 
ion were. I viewed his arm extended to all 
the inhabitants of the earth, and his voice 
saying, " whosoever will let him take of the 
water of life freely." I did not think of 
meeting with any troubles or trials, for all 
around me seemed to be rejoicing and prais- 
ing God ; but at length trials came on which 
i caused doubts and fears to arise ; but looking 
to the Lord by prayer, and hearing others tell 
of like trials, caused my doubts to remove. 



In the latter part of May there was a meet- 
ing held at my, father's, and my oldest broth- 
er told his experience. He and his wife 
were baptized the next day. In this meeting 
at my father's, I arose for the first time in 
public, and with a trembling voice I told the 
people I had viewed myself a great sinner, 
and I believed that God for Christ's sake had 
forgiven my sins — had placed my feet upon 
a rock, established my goings, and put a new 
song into my mouth, even praises to my God. 
In June following the 2d Saturday (if I am 
not mistaken) I went to meeting in order to 
tell my experience and offer myself for bap- 
tism ; but when I arrived at the place the 
cross appeared so great, that my tongue was 
locked in silence, and not a word of experi- 
ence did I tell in the course of the meeting. 
At the close of the meeting sister Danforth 
and Elder White came to me and asked me 
if it was not my intention to go forward the 
next day, and informed me that the breth- 
ren considered that I told my experience 
when I spake in meeting at my father's, (but 
it was the least of my expectation) and that 
there would be an opportunity if I had a 
mind to attend to it. I told them I had con- 
sidered it my duty, and would think further 
on the subject : Accordingly the night fol- 
lowing, instead of being spent in sleep, the 
most part of it was spent in consultation of J 
my duty. The next morning I prepared 
myself and went to meeting (which was held 
at the Greene Academy in Smithfield) and 



23 

informed Eld. Joseph White that I would 
go forward in my duty. I accordingly was 
baptized by him, with eleven others, and was 
received as a member of the church of Christ 
in Smifhfield, commonly called Free-will 
Baptists. I found much consolation in obey- 
ing the Lord's commands — my soul was fill- 
ed with his glory, and I rejoiced in his name. 
The remaining part of the summer was like 
the beginning of days tome. I delighted 
much in searching the scriptures ; for I found 
them to be a rich treasure of glorious prom- 
ises, which I had never beheld before : For 
when I was twenty years old I had never 
read 50 chapters in the Bible. O that chil- 
dren would fall in love with that precious 
book, and parents teach them to study the 
same. 



CHAPTER II. 



His exercises and trials of mind respecting his duty to preach the 
Gospel, and his entrance upon the Christian Ministry. 

I now took delight in speaking of the 
things of the kingdom of God, when I met 
'with my brethren and sisters, though cross- 
ling to nature : but many months had not 
jpassed away before I began to take a view of 
ithe human family. I discovered them all to 
be unreconciled to God, or the children of 
wrath by nature, and thousands much more 
iSO by practice. I felt a great anxiety for the 
conversion of my parents,kindred and friends, 
bud was often on my knees supplicating 



24 

God's mercies on their behalf: but my inind 
was not limited, for I felt a concern for all 
the human family, and I discovered the har- 
vest great and labourers few ; therefore I 
prayed the Lord to send forth more faithful 
labourers into the harvest ; for I found that 
God had chosen the foolishness of preaching 
to save those that believed. I sometimes 
thought if I was qualified I should be wil- 
ling to go forth, to spend and be spent in 
publishing the glad news of salvation to the 
fallen sons and daughters of Adam ; but lit- 
tle did I think at that time it would ever be 
my lot. 

In the fall I began to feel impressed that I 
should have to bear publick testimony for 
Christ ; and as this impression continued, I 
began to ask signs of the Lord, and signs 
were given me in various ways — some by 
visions of the night, until I had enough to 
convince me of my duty : but unbelief arose 
and I, like those that were bidden to the 
wedding, began to make excuse : however, 
I went so far as to make mention of my feel- 
ings to some particular individuals. I soon, 
however, repented it, and resolved to keep 
my feelings to myself for the future. 

In December I engaged to teach a school, 
and taught three months. During this time 
niv i nxieties were great to get learning and 
information. 1 applied myself to the read- 
ing of the Bible as much as possible : I also 
had the privilege of gcing to many evening 
meetings during this season, and frequently 



25 

spake in them of God's dealings or goodness 
to me, and enjoyed my mind tolerably well. 

In the spring of 1821 I returned home to 
my father's to labour on his farm, and as I 
continued to labour I continued to carry an 
impression and burden on my mind ; and 
whilst at work in the fields, I should fre- 
quently in my mind be in some distant place 
before a congregation of people, exhorting 
them and talking of the things of the king- 
dom of God, and forget the burden of my la- 
bour, though busily engaged at work. I 
bought a pocket Bible and carried with me, 
so that I could read at leisure moments : but 
I was very careful about being seen with it, 
for by this time I had great expectations that 
my impression was from the Devil, and great 
fears arose in my mind that people would 
begin to think that I had thought about 
preaching, and some had already observed 
that Abel would be a preacher ; but I had 
become firmly established to say but little 
about it. 

In July, 1821, 1 joined a chartered compa- 
ny which had recently been established in 
the neighbourhood where I lived, and the 
first time we met I was chosen an officer of 
the company : This soon began to attract too 
much of my attention. I began to feel less 
engaged in religion, but did not cease to 
pray. The word preach was often ringing 
through my mind, and these words would 
often be present to my view : . " Why call 
ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things 
c 



26 

which I say 1" One day as I was going to a 
neighbour to borrow a military book, I took 
my Bible from my pocket and opened it, 
and my eyes first fastened on these words : 
" No man that warreth entangleth himself 
with the affairs of this life, that he may please 
him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." 
2 Tim. ii. 4. These words struck with 
weight to my mind ; I halted where I was, 
and a short sermon was quickly preached to 
me which amounted to this : " God had chos- 
en me to be a soldier in the heavenly army, 
— that I had got to engage in the spiritual 
warfare, and fight many a battle with the 
powers of darkness, in order to come off vic- 
torious and please him that had called me to 
be a soldier : and further, that the soldiery 
of man and the wars thereof were in opposi- 
tion to the gospel of peace, and if I entang- 
led myself in them I could not please God 
nor do him service." I was then left at my 
option. I had thoughts of returning home, 
but the temptation of the Devil entered, and 
I went and got the book ; but did not keep 
it but a few days before I returned it to the 
owner, and resolved to entangle myself no 
more with an office. The winter following 
I spent most of the time in drawing wood to 
Providence (which business I had formerly 
followed considerable every year after I was 
large enough to go with the team.) 

In the spring of 1822, when the before- 
mentioned company met for training and 
choosing officers^ resigned my commission, 



27 

&nd resolved to entangle mysejf nomorewitfi 
military affairs than the laws of the land 
would oblige me. I continued to work for 
my father, and the impression relative to my 
duty began to grow heavier, but still the 
thought of preaching was too great for me — it 
seemed like an impossibility. Sometimes 
my want of learning and inabilities would 
come before me for an excuse ; but it would 
soon be removed by the following words: 
"But God hath chosen the foolish things of 
the world to confound the wise ; and God hath 
chosen the weak things of the world to con- 
found the things which are mighty," &c. I 
Cor. i. 27. Then my doubts were removed ; 
I no longer queried but what God was able 
to qualify me ; but J then thought I was not 
worthy of having so great a treasure as thei 
gospel committed to my trust ; however I 
thought I would endeavour to fill my sphere 
in a small scale ; therefore I began to appoint 
conference meetings in the neighbourhood 
on SuJdays, when there was no preaching 
near, /and endeavoured to encourage my 
bretljren, and exhort sinners to repent. This 
I continued through the summer ; but fears 
often arose when I took the lead of meetings,, 
that my brethren and friends would think I 
had a notion of preaching. This sometimes 
would cause me to shrink from my duty, and 
frequently when I went to the place appoint- 
ed for a meeting, I would get in some corner 
of the rooin and wait for some other person to 
open the meeting, so that the people need 



28 

not mistrust my thoughts and feelings. In 
August, 1822, I went to a Quarterly 
Meeting in Glocester. On Saturday evening 
the Elders and brethren held their, confer- 
ence, and it so happened that I went to the 
house where the conference was held ; but 
not with an expectation of entering the con- 
ference. After I arrived at the place, I was 
invited to sit in conference, and after the 
conference was opened, there were two 
young brethren that came forward and told 
their experience and call to the ministry. 
After they had told their's, Elder White 
mentioned to the brethren that I had im- 
proved in publick, and took the lead of meet- 
ings, and requested that I should tell my ex- 
perience, or the reason of my thus perform- 
ing. I at first declined, and told him that I 
had only come in as a spectator, and that by 
invitation: he informed me that it was no 
place for spectators; and he further added, 
if I was unwilling to have it known at large 
that I had told my experience, they would 
keep it in the conference for the present if I 
did relate it. (I supposed afterwards that 
he had some knowledge of my impression, 
though I had said nothing to him about it.) 
Before I was aware I found myself on my feet 
telling what impressions I had had, and con- 
tinued to have, to bear a publick testimony 
for Christ ; but in my conversation I did not 
mention the word preach ; for by this time it 
had become a larger word than I could swal- 
low. After I had related my mind Br. 



29 

White asked me if I requested a licence or 
recommendation from the conference to im- 
prove, and I told him I did not ; for I did not 
expect to go away from home at present. 
The week after this meeting the devil 
brought all his force of artillery against me, 
and I began to repent that I had related my 
mind in conference ; for greater fears arose 
that people would say, Ci Abel is going to be 
a preacher." However, the Lord soon de- 
livered me, and I began to attend meetings 
more frequently through the fall season, and 
enjoyed my mind tolerably well. 

The winter following I taught a school 
three months : during this time I attended 
many evening meetings. All this time I 
would not permit people to call my conver- 
sation preaching ; for I only exhorted in my 
feeble manner ; }~et the impression grew 
stronger, that I must come out bolder, and 
not only so, but that 1 should soon have to 
give myself to the work of the ministry — 
leave all behind and take my life in my hand 
and go into distant climes ; (for the commis- 
sion read to me, " Go ye into all the world 
and preach the gospel to every creature.") 
This caused my trials to be keener ; I look- 
ed at my aged parents who had expected me 
to live with them; my oldest brother and 
sisters being married, and living away from 
my parents. My other brother worked 
away from home the most of the time : I said 
in my heart, how can I leave them? but I 
was cut off by these words, " He that ioveth 
C2 



so 

iather or mother more than me is not wor- 
thy of me." Then trials and sufferings 
would present to my view what I should 
have to pass through if I left my home : but 
then this comfortable promise would gener- 
ally follow: " He that leaveth father and 
mother, brothers and sisters, houses and 
lands, for my sake and the gospel, shall re- 
ceive in this world an hundred fold with 
persecution, and in the world to come life 
everlasting." The burden grew so heavy 
that I frequently walked the room in dis- 
tress, while in school with my scholars, " go 
preach," continually sounded through my 
ears; and this was not all, but " woe" began 
to sound — " Woe is me if I preach not the 
gospel." At length I resolved and promised 
God if he would spare me till I had finished 
my school I would make an attempt: But 
then a great cross was before me ; for my fa- 
ther expected me to work for him the follow- 
ing summer if I informed him not to the con- 
trary ; and if I did not work for him he 
would have to hire heln to manage his farm. 
Therefore toward the close of my school I 
told my father that I felt as though God call- 
ed me to labour in his vineyard — that it 
would be uncertain about my helping him 
much more — that it would be best for him to 
hire help enough to manage his farm, and if 
I could help him any I would : to which he 
gave me the following answer : " That it 
Was his choice that I should stay at home: 
but if I felt my mind led different, I must do 



31 

what I thought to be duty." After my school 
was done I went home and tarried about 
three weeks ; but the message to me was go. 
I found no peace in tarrying. At length I 
concluded to put my trust in God and launch 
out into the deep : I sent an appointment in- 
to Smithfield for Monday evening, April 7, 
1823, and at the time I met the appointment; 
it being rainy, but few people attended. I 
prayed with them and gave out an exhorta- 
tion, and enjoyed liberty, and my strength 
was renewed. The next day I went to Bur- 
rillville, and there I met with some of the 
brethren in the evening in conference : I also 
met with Br. Darling, and found that he was 
about starting for New-York. He solicited 
my company, and I had ever had my mind 
led toward the western climes, since I felt an 
impression to preach. He was expecting to 
go on foot : I partly promised to bear him 
company. The next day I went to a funer- 
al attended by Elder Jordan. After the fu- 
neral he heard that I had talked of going to 
the west, and conversed with me on the sub- 
ject, and finally discouraged me from going. 
This threw me into great trial of mind ; for 
I concluded he had not much faith in my 
preaching. 

I left Burrillville on Thursday and went to 
Scituate and gave out an appointment for a 
meeting at the Academy for Friday evening. 
I met the appointment and endeavoured to 
speak to the people from Heb. i. 1, 2. I en- 
joyed but little liberty, and thought at the 






close it would be not only my first sermon, 
but last. But through the solicitation of the 
people I gave out another appointment for 
the following Sunday at Wilkinson's school- 
house. I returned home on Saturday, and 
on Sunday morning with a heavy heart I 
started for my appointment. Whilst on my 
way it seemed impossible for me to preach. 
When I had nearly arrived at the place I 
stopped in the woods a considerable time, 
and supplicated God's assistance ; for I felt 
as though without him I could do nothing. 
I then went on and arrived at the place 
about the time appointed, and found the house 
filled with people. I spoke to them from 
John iii. 14. 15. The Lord unclosed my 
stammering tongue and gave me liberty, 
which caused me to rejoice in his name. In 
the evening I attended a conference meeting 
at Br. Young's, and had a good time — quite a 
solemnity rested on the young people that 
attended. 

Monday I went to Rockland Factory to 
attend a meeting in the evening. In the af- 
ternoon I had many trials. I went into the 
woods and bemoaned my case. I looked for- 
ward to see what I should have to pass 
through, and thought death would be better 
than life if I could have a happy exit ; how- 
ever I endeavoured to fulfil my engagement. 
INI any assembled in the evening to hear the 
stranger. I endeavoured to preach to them ; 
but enjoyed but littie freedom, and conclud- 
ded that would finish my preaching, j 



33 

thought if I could be hid in some den or cave 
of the earth, it would be the happiest home 
I could find . The next day I went home and 
went to work, concluding that I should spend 
the rest of my days in my former business, 
and the devil was ready to set all the king- 
doms and pleasures of the world before me, 
promising them me through obedience to his 
advice ; but I was not willing to give up re- 
ligion, but thought I would endeavour to live 
a sober life. The next Saturday being 
church meeting day I concluded I must keep 
my covenant, and therefore met with my 
brethren. Here I saw a brother from Scit- 
uate, and he said the meetings which I had 
attended there seemed to be effectual, and 
requested me to come again: I accordingly 
sent an appointment for the next Saturday. 
At the time I went and attended that, and 
also one on Sunday following, at the Acade- 
my. I enjoyed but little liberty at either of 
them. I went home again discouraged. On 
my way I thought I had better die than try 
to preach. After this I tarried at home 
three or four weeks, and laboured, and pass- 
ed through many severe trials, and enjoyed 
but little peace of mind. 

May 9th I attended the Elders* Conference 
in Glocester; and in the meeting Eld. Jor- 
dan arose and informed the Conference of my 
improvement, and moved that a licence 
should be given me, which was granted by 
the Conference. I have thought many times 
since if they had considered me as inabilitat- 



34 

cdas I viewed myself they would never have 
done it ; but I hope it was for the good of 
God's cause. The two following days I at- 
tended Quarterly Meeting. 

May 22d I went to Scituate and attended 
a meeting ; from thence to Cranston and 
Warwick, attended several, and enjoyed my 
mind \ery well, and returned home on the 
28th. 

About the first of June I felt an impress- 
ion to go into Massachusetts about 40 miles, 
and prepared for going ; but previous to my 
starting a certain preacher heard of it and 
came to see me. His conversation was such 
as threw me into doubts, and discouraged me 
in my attempt. His words instead of com- 
forting were discouraging. O Lord, if I live 
years in thy cause may I never be an Eliab to 
David. After this I went to shingling my 
father's house, and my trials grew so large in 
a few days that I concluded never to preach 
again let the consequence be what it would : 
however, before I had finished my job I be- 
gan to feel the stripes, and thought it better 
to listen to God than man. 

On the 25th of June I started for Brimfield, 
Mass. and arrived there the next day : I at- 
tended several meetings in that vicinity, 1 
hope with some success, and returned home 
on the 5th of July. I then let myself a month 
to work at haying for Er. David Mathew- 
son. 

August 8th I went to Taunton, Ma?s. to 
attend a Quarterly Meeting, and returned 



35 

home on the 12th. I tarried about home 
until the 4th of September, and then left 
home and went to Taunton again. Sunday 
the 7th, I attended two meetings at Deacon 
Henry Harvey's. I tarried in this region 
about four weeks, attended about 80 meet- 
ings and enjoyed much of the goodness of 
God in my own soul — I found him to be a 
help in time of need, and saw some of his 
power displayed in convicting sinners, and 
discovered great appearance of a reformation 
in Norton. I returned home on the 4th of 
Oct. and tarried about two weeks — attended 
the Q. M. in Burrilville, purchased a horse 
and returned to Mass. again, in company with 
Br. Smith Fairfield. We laboured in the 
towns,of Taunton, Norton, Rainham and Re- 
hoboth, until the last of Nov. and then re- 
turned home. I tarried one night with my 
parents, and then we returned to Norton, 
and preached most of the time in that town 
till Jan. 1824. The reformation wheels be- 
gan to move briskly— many came forth and 
professed a faith in Christ — many of the stout 
hearted were brought to bow to his mild cep - 
tre, and acknowledged him to be the one al- 
together lovely, 

In Jan. I returned home, attended the Q. 
M. iii Smithfield, and then went back to 
Norton again, and tarried in that place till 
March, during which time the reformation 
continued. I enjoyed much of the great 
goodness of God — was enabled to stand and 
speak in his name ? and saw the word have 



36 

its desired effect. Many souls I trust will 
remember those days as long as life lasts, I 
think I shall for one ; for it was the begin- 
ning of days to me. 

About the 1st of March I began to feel as 
though my work was done in that place, and 
that I must range the western climes. I ac- 
cordingly bid the people farewell, and left 
them. This was not done without weeping 
eyes. I went home and tarried through the 
month of April, and attended several meet- 
ings in that vicinity ; but did not feel to tar- 
jy here long. I therefore told my kindred 
and friends that I expected to bid them adieu 
soon, to rove the western country. When 
the thought entered my mind of leaving my 
* kindred and the land of my nativity, it was 
almost like parting soul and body ; but the 
Lord said go, therefore it was for me to obey. 
. In May I went to Taunton to attend the 
Q. M. and visited my friends in Norton once 
more. There I formed an acquaintance with. 
Br. David Marks, a preacher from the State 
of N. Y. After the meeting I returned home.. 
He came to my father's a few days after, and* 
expected to return to N. Y . soon ; but was 
going by the way of N. Hampshire. I part- 
ly agreed to meet him in New- Hampshire in 
June, at the Yearly Meeting, so as to ac- 
company him to the west. I therefore be- 
gan to make preparation, 4 and appointed a 
meeting for the 23d of May at my brother's, 
to preach my farewell sermon. At the time 
I met the appointment, and the people of the 



37 

neighborhood and vicinity thronged to hear 
me— some for the first time ; and it proved 
to be the last with some ; for before I return- 
ed they had bid adieu to the world. The 
Lord enabled me to preach from Acts xx. 22, 
23, 24. This was truly a solemn time. I 
endeavoured to preach as for eternity, know- 
ing not but it would be the last time I should 
have the privilege of speaking to them ; for 
I expected to start that afternoon on my jour^ 
ney. I recommended them to Christ, and 
bid them an affectionate farewell. I went 
home in order to start, but was detained ; 
my mother having got fatigued in going to 
the meeting, and overcome with the thoughts 
of my leaving home, caused an infirmity to 
sieze her mortal frame ; therefore I tarried 
all night. 



CHAPTER III. 



His Journal while travelling in the Western States to visit tkfc 
Churches and preach the Gospel. 

Monday morning, May 24, 1824, I bid 
adieu to my parents and to the habitation 
where I had been nursed, and spent my 
youthful days. I mounted my horse and set 
my face toward the west, leaning on my be- 
loved. The feelings of my parents were 
better known to them, and mine to those 
that have experienced the same : I cannot 
describe them. I went as far as Glocester 
and attended a meeting in the afternoon with 
Br. J. White, and stayed all night where he 



ss 

did. The next morning I took the parting 
hand with him and went on my way. 

25th I went to Ashford, Ct. and on the 
26th to Brimfield, Mass. where I tarried two 
days — enjoyed some of the goodness of God 
and felt the weight of his cause — visited the 
groves and prayed for sinners. 29th I went 
to an appointment at South Brimfield, Ms, 
that I had given out the day before, and there 
was not one person til that place to the meet- 
ing: there were two that went with me. I 
prayed to God and left the place. 30th. In 
the forenoon I went to Brimfield and heard a 
Presbyterian preach in the afternoon. At 5 
o'clock I attended a meeting at Br. Mann's, 
in Brimfield, and enjoyed some liberty in 
speaking. The people were attentive. 31st 
I went from Brimfield to Lancaster, Ms. a 
distance of 40 miles. 

June 1st, I rode from Lancaster to New 
Boston in New-Hampshire, and put up at 
Dr. Whipple's. 2d, I went to Eld. H. D. 
Buzzel's in Weare, N. H. and in the after- 
noon I attended Monthly Conference with 
the brethren in Weare, and enjoyed my 
mind well, and found some good heavenly 
brethren. In the evening I went to Br* 
Page's, in the north part of Weare, and tarri- 
ed all night. 3d, I enjoyed some commun- 
ion with God. I visited a sick woman, and 
attended a meeting at Br. Osgood Paige's. 
Thursday night I went to Br. John Kimbal's 
and had a good visit with him. Friday, the 
4th, I attended a meeting at Br. David 



S9 

Paige's. Saturday, 5th, I went to the east 
part of Weareand attended a conference with 
the brethren, and in the evening I went to 
Br. Barnard's and stayed all night We had 
a heavenly praying time* 

Sunday, 6th, I attended a meeting with 
Eld. H. D. Buzzel. In the forenoon I 
preached to the people and had a good sol- 
emn time. There was a large collection of 
people, and the Lord appeared to be in the 
midst. O Lord keep me from evil. In the 
afternoon Br. Buzzel preached, and we then 
partook of the Lord's Supper. We had a 
good, solemn, refreshing time. O Lord re- 
vive thy work. At 6 o'clock I preached at 
a school-house in the north part of Weare, 
and the Lord was in the place. We had a 
solemn weeping time. I trust there was 
some good done. I found a good little hum- 
ble band of brethren in the place. I pray 
God to keep them and add to their number, 

Monday, 7th, I went to the south west 
part of Weare and attended a meeting at 5 
o'clock. The presence of the Lord was 
known and felt in the midst of us. One wo- 
man arose and requested prayers ; others ap- 
peared to be solemnly affected. O Lojcd 
pour out thy spirit upon these people, andi 
revive thy work in this place. 

Tuesday, Sth, I attended another meeting 
in the south-west part of Weare and had a 
good time. There was some appearance of 
a revival in this place. I have enjoyed my 
mind very well since I came here. I think 



40 

I feel the weight of God's cause and the 
worth of souls ; but I want to feel it more. 

Lord revive thy work in my soul — keep 
me from evil and make me useful in thy cause. 

On the 9th I went to the north part of 
Weare and preached in the evening at a 
school-house. After the sermon there were 
nine of the brethren and sisters that bore 
testimony for the cause of Christ, and we had 
a good time. Thursday, 10th, I went to the 
east part of Weare and attended a meeting 
at Br. Barnard's. I spake from Jerh. ii. 13. 
" For my people have committed two evils," 
&c. There was one backslider that cried for 
mercy before she left the house. Friday 1 lth, 

1 felt rather infirm in body, but enjoyed some 
of the goodness of God; and in the evening 
I preached at Thomas Davis's. The house 
was crowded with people, and there seemed 
to be a general solemnity on their minds. 
Many youth were affected to the heart. O 
Lord have mercy on them and save them 
from sin. 

June 12th and 13th, I went with the breth- 
ren to Yearly Meeting at Weare, N. H. It 
was an interesting season. Monday 14th, I 
went with the brethren in Elders' confer- 
ence, and after conference I went with Br, 
David Cross to the north part of Weare and 
held a meeting in the evening. Tuesday 
15th r I went with Br. Cross to^Warner, and 
preached in the afternoon at Br. Kerriman's. 
We had a good solemn time. Br. Cross 
preached at the same place in the evening 



41 

Wednesday 16th, I went with Br. Cross 
round the Kearscarge mountain into the town 
of Wilraot, a distance of 18 miles. After we 
arrived there, I went to a Methodist meet- 
ing in the, neighbourhood and saw one per- 
son baptized. Thursday 17th, I preached 
at Wilmot meeting-house. In the evening 
I attended a prayer meeting at Br, Jones'. 
18th, I preached at Br. Dowles' in Wilmot. 
19th, I attended monthly meeting with the 
brethren in Wilmot. 

Sunday 20th, I preached twice in the 
meeting-house at Wilmot, and had a solemn 
season. I trust there was some good none. 
21st, I preached at a school-ho se in Wilmot. 
22d, I attended a meeting at Br. Jonathan 
Jones' in Wilmot. 23d, I preached at a 
school-house on the north-west side of Kear- 
searge mountain. Thursday morning I went 
up to the top of the mountain, whose tower- 
ing top reaches above all the rest of the hills 
and mountains near to it. Many people re- 
sort to this mountain, and their names may 
be seen where they have cut them in the 
rocks that cover the top of the mountain. In 
the afternoon I went to Sutton and attended 
meeting at Eld. Watson's. Friday I went 
to Warner and preached at Br. Moses Heri- 
man's, and found some serious minds there. 
Saturday morning I went to Boscawen and 
preached at 10 o'clock at a school-house. In 
the afternoon I went to Weare, and in the 
evening I attended a meeting at a school- 
house in the north part of Weare — found 
D2 



42 

some lender minds and some appearance of a 
reformation there. Sunday 27th, I preach- 
ed twice at the south meeting-house in Weare 
and had a good solemn time. I hope there 
was some good done. There was a large 
congregation. At 5 o'clock I preached at a 
school-house near Enoch Simons' in Weare, 
and it was a solemn time. Two young wo- 
men arose to be prayed for, and others were 
cut to the heart. O Lord pour out thy spir- 
it and revive thy work. 

Monday 28th, I preached at 5 o'clock at 
the same school-house that I did the day be- 
fore. We had quite a refreshing from the 
presence of the Lord. In the evening I at- 
tended a prayer meeting at Jonathan Grains'. 
Tuesday I went to Deering and preached at 
5 o'clock to Jonathan Runolds'. Wednes- 
day morning I went to Br< Osgood Paige's in 
Weare, and in the evening I went to the.fac- 
tory and attended meeting. 

Thursday, July 1st, I tarried in the neigh- 
bourhood of Br, Paige, and felt rather low- 
in my mind. Friday I enjoyed some peace 
in my mind : in the evening I preached at 
the school-house near Br. John Kimball's : 
it was a solemn time. After I had done 
speaking and some of the brethren had spoke, 
I told the people that if there were any who 
felt it duty to tell their determination to seek 
the Lord, there was liberty ; or if there were 
any that felt the need of our prayers, if they 
would make it known we would try to pray 
for them. All were silent for a t&w minute*. 



43 

At length I felt an unusual weight or im- 
pression on my mind. I could not keep my 
seat with ease — I felt it duty to step from 
the desk down on the floor, and then ask 
those that wished us to pray for them to come 
down from their seats to the floor. I arose, 
and just as I did arise there was one young 
woman that was so wrought upon that she 
could no longer keep her seat — she arose and 
two more with her, and left the house. Some 
more went out afterwards, and two of the first 
soon came back : the one that first arose then 
came and requested to be prayed for. I 
then stepped from the desk and told them my 
impression, and requested, if there were any 
others that wished to be prayed for, to come 
forward. There were four young women 
in all that left their seats and came forward 
and bowed the knee to Jesus. We had a 
solemn praying time, and one of the young 
women prayed for herself before she arose 
from her knees. We then left the house r 
some rejoicing to see the work of the Lord, 
and others mourning for their sins, 

Saturday 3d, I went to the south-west part 
of Weare. Sunday I attended two meetings 
at Joseph Crams', and at 6 o'clock I attended 
a meeting at the moontain school-house, and 
had a solemn time. Monday I visited from 
house to house. Tuesday I preached 'at the 
school -houjse on the mountain, and it was a 
solemn time. The meeting began at 6 
o'clock ard held till 10 o'clock. Two young 
women were in great distress ; they fell up- 



44 

on their knees and there continued for the 
space of one hour : they cried to the Lord, 
and their language was, Lord save cr we per- 
ish. The prayers of the brethren and sis- 
ters were ascending in their behalf. Oth- j 
ers stood trembling, while the power of God , 
seemed to be running from heart to heart. 
O Lord have mercy on sinners. These two 
found relief in a few days. Wednesday I -. 
attended monthly meeting with the brethren 
in Weare. Thursday evening I preached I 
at a school-house in the north part of Weare, 
to quite a large assembly of people, and it 
was a solemn time. 

Friday 9th, I wrote a letter to my father. 
While writing, it brought to my mind tLe 
happiness I had taken, and the comforts I 
had received whilst at my father's residence 
and the land of my nativity ; but now I am 
separated from home and kindred — no fa- 
ther's roof to rest beneath — no former ac- 
quaintance to converse with — calling to re- 
membrance also the solemn season 1 had 
when I took my departure from my father's 
house — left my mother in a flood of tears, and 
infirm in body, knowing not that I should 
ever see her again — it causes my heart to 
melt into contrition, and the tears to flow 
from my eyes : But let me not complain, 
the Lord is good and kind, and in a few more 
days, if faithful, I shall get beyond this world 
of sorrow, where the soft hand of Jesus will 
wipe all tears from mine eyes, and where 
sorrow and sighing will never ccme. In the 



45 

evening I attended meeting with Br. David 
Marks, at the school- house where I did the 
evening before, and it was a solemn time. 
Six young women came forward to be pray- 
ed tor ; two of them kneeled in solemn pray- 
er, and one prayed aloud for herself; then I 
gave them the parting hand, expecting to 
see them no more. O Lord convert their 
souls. 

Saturday 10th, I went with Br. Marks to 
Deering, and attended a meeting at Br. Ste* 
phen Goodel's, and then returned to Br. 
Philbrick's in Weare, and tarried all night. 
Sunday I preached twice at the south meet- 
ing-house in Weare, and once at Br. Row- 
el's, and had a solemn time through the day. 
I trust some good was done. Monday I left 
Weare for New-York, in company with Br. 
David Marks, and a solemn time it was when 
we took the parting hand from our brethren 
and sisters in Weare. We travelled this day 
through Franestown, Greenfield, Hancock, 
and into Dublin, and tarried all night at Aa- 
ron Marshall's, and was kindly treated by 
them, though we were strangers to them, 
Tuesday we left Dublin, passed through 
Keene into Chesterfield, attended a meeting 
in Chesterfield, and tarried there all night, 
Wednesday we left Chesterfield and cross- 
ed the Connecticut river at Brattleborough 
into Vermont, and put up that night at J, 
Tompson's Inn in Wilmington. Thursday 
we crossed the Green mountains in Vt. 
After we crossed the mountains^ we passed 



46 

through Bennington into Pittstown, N.- Y. 
and stayed all night at Dr. Thurber's, and 
was kindly treated. 16th we left Pittstown 
and travelled through Lancenburg.and cross- 
ed the Hudson river at Watefrord, and went 
on to Ballston* We stayed all night at Esq.- 
Larkin's, and there found good friends. Sat- 
urday we went to Deacon Van Vorce's. We 
tarried in Ballston and towns adjoining until 
Thursday following, and attended some meet- 
ings in our stay. 

Thursday 22d, we left Ballston and cross- 
ed the Mowhawk river at Swarfs ferry, and 
the N. Y. Canal at the same place, and went 
to Br. John Earl's in Florida, and we atten- 
ded a meeting there in the evening, and 
stayed all night. Friday we went to Cana- 
joharrie, and stayed there Saturday and Sun- 
day. We attended several meetings while 
in the place, but found the people rather 
cold as to religion. While in this place I 
visited a school where deaf and dumb people 
are taught, and it was a solemn season to me 
Monday 26th, we left Canajoharrie and went 
to Plainfieid, and stayed at Br. Stillman's. 
Tuesday evening I preached in Plainfieid. 
Wednesday I went to Brookfield and preach- 
ed at 5 o'clock, and stayed all night at Br. 
Sullivan Gardner's : there I found a place to 
rest my weary limbs, and friends that had 
their house and hearts open to receive pil- 
grims. Thursday I left Brookfield and went 
to E vton to visit relation which I had there. 
I tarried in Eaton several days, and preach- 



47 

ed twice whilst there. While I was in this 
place 1 looked back and called to remem- 
brance the comfort I had enjoyed when I 
was living at a father's house. Now I am 
separated about three hundred miles from 
home, and no former acquaintance is nigh.* 
But I still feel Jesus to be my friend, and he 
sticketh closer than a brother. Souls still 
look precious, and the cause of God seems to 
me good ; and still the word to me is go. Al- 
though I bestrew my way with sighs and 
tears, yet will I trust in God ; for I shall yet 
praise him. O Lord revive thy work in my 
soul, and have mercy on the world of man- 
kind. 

August 5th, I left Eaton and returned to 

Brookfield. My horse was taken sick at this 

time and w r as unable to use. I tarried here 

a few days, then left my horse here and went 

to Verona with Br. Marks, and arrived here 

oil the 10th. We tarried here several days 

and attended a number of meetings. We 

found the Lord was working in this place. 

Sunday we attended a meeting in a grove. 

There was quite a collection of people. Br\ 

Marks preached in the forenoon, and 1 spake 

to them in the afternoon . At the close there 

were about forty that arose to be prayed for. 

! Tuesday we returned to Brookfield. When 

j we arrived there I found my horse some bet- 

j ter. We stayed here all night. The next 

morning I left Br. Marks here and took my 



*My relation that I have here moved to this place when I 
was a child. 



48 

horse and returned to Varona — tarried here 
several days, and attended several meetings, 
then left my horse and took the Canal on the 
23d, in company with Eld. Daniel Call. We 
started for the Yearly Meeting in Grove- 
land, and arrived next day at Br. Marks' fa- 
ther's in Junius. We met Br. Marks there. 
I stayed all night, and started next morning 
for Groveland — arrived here on Friday 27th. 
Saturday met with the brethren in this place 
for Yearly Meeting. The meeting lasted 
two days, and we had a very good time. 
Here I formed a happy acquaintance with 
many of the western brethren — heard Eld. 
Brown preach at this meeting. He was the 
first Free-will Baptist that ever came into 
this country. Monday we left Groveland 
for Varona. Sister Susan Humes from R.I. 
was at this meeting, and she and Br. Marks 
returned with us to Varona* We arrived 
here on the 3d of September. I preached 
in the evening. 

I will here mention some of my feelings 
while in Groveland. When at this place I 
was upwards of four hundred miles from 
home — far from all my kindred. I was led 
to say in my heart, shall I ever see them 
again. Once I enjoyed the happiness of rest- 
ing under a father's roof, but now I am de- 
prived of this privilege. — Once I enjoyed 
the society of brothers and sisters, but now 
deprived of their company. O the comfort 
I have received in former days, in the eastern 
country . but now I am an exile in the west- 



49 

era climes ; but Jesus is my friend, and I 
count not my life dear to myself that I may 
finish my course with joy. I received a let- 
ter from my brother Ethan while in this 
place, which informed me that my friends in 
the east were well, which gave me consola- 
tion, O Lord help me to fight the good 
fight of faith. But to return to my travels. 
Saturday, 4th Sep. we commenced a meet- 
ing which lasted two days, and it was attend- 
ed, I trust, with good effect. Br. Marks, 
sister Humes, Eld. Call and myself preached 
at the meeting. Monday I took the parting 
hand of Br. Marks, he being about ready to 
return to the west, and it was a solemn time 
with us. We had enjoyed each other's com- 
pany for several months past, and now come 
to bid each other farewell, knowing not that 
we should see each other again, which caused 
grief and sorrow of mind ; but the hopes of 
meeting one day to part no more, soothes all 
our troubled cares. I stayed several days in 
Varona, and was very much cast down in 
mind. I attended several meetings, but did 
not enjoy much liberty in speaking. I was 
almost led to doubt whether God ever called 
me to preach. Darkness hung over my mind, 
and I hardly knew what to do or which way 
to go, Saturday evening I attended a meet- 
ing with sister Humes at Br. Ichabod Will- 
iams' — the cloud* of darkness were driven 
away, and light broke into my soul again. I 
enjoyed liberty in speaking, and we had a 
good meeting* Sunday 1 preached twice at 
E 



50 

a school-bouse in Westmoreland, and I en- 
joyed liberty through the day, and had a sol- 
emn time. I .trust some good was done. 
Sunday evening I attended meeting 8gain at 
Br. Williams' with sister Hum€s, and we had 
a very solemn meeting. A large number of 
people gathered together, and they were ve- 
ry candid and. attentive : many seemed to be 
under awakening in this place. O Lord, 
carry on thy work, and bring sinners to re- 
pentance. 

Monday 13th, stayed at Br. Williams', and 
enjoyed a comfortable state of mind. In the 
evening I attended a meeting with sjster 
Humes at Wiles' school- house, in Varcna — 
then went after meeting to Br. Adams' and 
stayed all night. Tuesday evening I attend- 
ed a meeting at Pratt's school-house in Varc- 
na : There was a large congregation, and I 
enjoyed liberty in speaking. I hope some 
good was done. Wednesday ± left Varona 
and went to Floyd, about 13 miles — left an 
appointment as I passed through Rome, to 
be there on Thursday evening — went on and 
stayed all night at Br. George Lane's in 
Floyd. Thursday returned to Rome, and 
preached there in the evenir^.at the Court- 
house. Friday returned to Fk yd, and preach- 
ed in the evening at a school-house near Br. 
Lane's. Saturday I visited a sick person in 
the neighbourhood, and some others ; in the 
evening I went to Weston and preached, 
and returned again to Br. Lane's. Sunday 
I felt the weight of God's cauie, and a cry in 



51 

my soul for God to baptize me into the work. 
I preached twice this day at the school-house 
near Br. Lane's, and I enjoyed much liberty 
in speaking. The power of God was pres : 
ent. In the forenoon I spake from these 
words : " Up, get ye out of this place, for 
the Lord will destroy the city." Gen. xix. 
14th. The saints began to arouse and look 
around to see where they were. A number 
confessed the need of their getting out of 
the place that they were in, and try to live 
more to the glory of God. In the afternoon 
I spake from these words : " Behold the 
Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the 
world." John i. 27. I endeavoured to shew 
the people the state we were brought into by 
Adam's transgression — how that by one 
man's offences judgment came upon all men 
unto condemnation — that we were brought 
into a state of darkness and imprisonment, 
and no way for us to extricate ourselves from 
that state and condition. 2dly, I endeavoured 
to shew them that Jesus Christ had made an 
atonement for sin, and taken away this con- 
demnation — that this proverb should no more 
be used, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, 
and the children's teeth are set on edge, but 
that he had opened the prison door, and 
proclaimed liberty to captives— and that we 
by believing in him should not perish, but 
have eternal life. And, Sdly, To direct 
their attention to the Lamb of God, and im- 
press the importance of our believing in 
him— that we should forsake all our evil 



m 

ways, and live to his glory. The Lord gave 
us a good solemn time. Both saints and sin- 
ners wept and trembled. I trust that the 
time will long be remembered by some. 
(This is the place where Br. J. W. Darling 
from R. I. preached last winter, and there 
was a reformation under his improvement.) 
In the evening I attended a prayer meeting 
at Mr. Lamphrey's, then went to Br. Pot- 
ter's and tarried all night. 

Monday 20th. This day the cause of God 
looks precious, and I feel a cry in my soul for 
the Lord to pour out his spirit and revive his 
w r ork. • I spent this day at Br. Ephraim Pot- 
ter's, and in the evening I attended a meet- 
ing in the school-house near Samuel Deni- 
son's — had a comfortable time, then returned 
and stayed all night at Br. Potter's. Tues- 
day I went to Weston and visited Deacon 
Hix, and found his wife in a very low state. 
She had been confined almost nine years, so 
that she had not walked a step since the be- 
ginning of her confinement ; and now, ac- 
cording to all appearance, she has not many 
days to stay in this world : But she has lived 
the life of the righteous, and she has a strong 
hope that her last end will be like his. O, 
what peace have they that keep the law of 
God ; for nothing shall offend them. All 
she wished was patience to wait the coming 
of her Lord ; for in life she had prepared for 
death. O that every one would be wise and 
do the same. In the evening I preached in 
a school-house in Weston, Wednesday I 



53 

returned to Floyd, and preached in the eve- 
ning at Br. George Lane's. At the com- 
mencement of the meeting Br. J. W« Bar- 
ling arrived from Rhode-Island. He had 
come in nine days from that place. It glad- 
dens my heart to see him again. I had been 
absent from Iiim about four months, and from 
my friends in* R. I. and now to see one 
of my former acquaintance, and hear from my 
friends in R. I. caused me to feel like Paul 
at the coming oi' Stephanas. Thursday I 
visited from house to house with Br. Dar- 
ling, and in the evening he preached at Br. 
Lan e's . Friday we went to Rome and heard 
sister Humes preach, and then went to Br. 
lellabod Williams' and stayed all night, 
Saturday 'I attended meeting in Yarona with 
the Seventhday Baptists, and in the evening 
preached at Br. Caleb Greene's in Yarona^ 
and stayed there all night. 

Sunday 26th, I attended meeting at Capt. 
Hull's in Yarona. Br. Darling attended 
with me. I spake in the forenoon and Br. 
Darling in the afternoon. We had a very 
gcod meeting. We attended a meeting in 
< he evening at Pratt's school-house in Yaro- 
na, and Br. Joel Greene preached to the peo- 
ple. Monday I enjoyed not much peace in. 
my mind, on account of some circumstances 
ithat had taken place in that region, which 
caused trials. In the evening I attended 
meeting with Br. Darling and sister Humes 
at Wile's school- house, a»d Br. Darling 
[preached. Tuesday I went to Westmore- 
E2 



54 

land to Br. John Minor's. I tarried in this 
place through the week, and attended some 
meetings. 

Sunday, 3d of October, I attended meeting 
with Eld. Jonathan Sf. Thompson and Eld. 
Reuben Potter in Westmoreland. I preach- 
ed in the forenoon and Eld. Potter in the af- 
ternoon. We had a very good meeting. In 
the evening I preached to a large and solemn 
assembly, in a school-house near Capt. Lum- 
ice's, in Westmoreland, and had a very good 
time* The people paid good attention, and 
I trust some good was done. Monday eve- 
ning I preached at Pratt's school-house in 
Varona, and had a very good time. Tues- 
day I tarried in Varona. Wednesday I left 
Varona in company with Br. Darling, for 
the Quarterly Meeting in Sodus. which is 
about 75 miles west of Varona. We arrived \ 
there Friday evening, and Saturday we met 
with the brethren in Quarterly Meeting, i 
I preached to the people in the forenoon, s 
from Eph. ii. 17. In the afternoon we at- 
tended to the business of the Q. M. Sun- 
day we met at 10 o'clock for publick wor- [ 
ship, and Br. Darling preached the first dis- i 
course, which was followed by a discourse 
from sister Humes. In the afternoon Eld. 
Israel Crow preached, and we had a good 
time through the meeting. Sunday evening 
I rode 8 miles and preached to a large con- 
gregation of people in Lyons. Monday tar- 
ried in Lyons, and attended meeting in the 
evening with Br. Darling. Tuesday left 



55 

Lyons for the south, with intention of attend- 
ing the Owego Quarterly Meeting in Dry- 
den* Travelled through Vienna and Gene- 
va into Benton, and tarried all night at Eld. 
Dean's. Wednesday left Br. Dean's in 
company with Br. Jones Bignall, and trav- 
elled through Peenyan into Barrington, and 
tarried all night at Br. Knapp's. Thursday 
I left Barrington in company with Eld. Sam- 
uel Wire, and went six miles and attended 
meeting in the evening. Friday we started 
for the head of Seneca Lake, and travelled 
over the hills and through the wilderness the 
distance of twelve miles, on a very bad road : 
but we arrived at the place in the afternoon, 
and attended a meeting. There were two 
men came to meeting that were intoxicated, 
and endeavoured to disturb the meeting*. 
But they exposed themselves and disturbed 
us but little. In the evening we went four 
miles further and attended a meeting. I at- 
tempted to speak to the people, and had but 
little liberty. Saturday I attended covenant 
meeting with the brethren at Br. Benjamin 
Ellis' in Catlin, Tioge Co. had a good melt- 
; ing time. 

Sunday 17th, I went three miles from Br. 
Ellis' and met with the brethren in a little 
' log school-house. The people gathered to- 
I gether here in the wilderness, to hear the 
I word of salvation. Br. Wire preached to 
| them in the forenoon, and I preached to them . 
I in the afternoon, from Num. xxiv. 7. " He 
k&hall pour his water out of his buckets," &c> 



6^ 

The Lord appeared on Israel's side for to 
help, and we had a good, solemn, affecting 
time. Saints rejoiced and sinners wept. I 
trust the time will long be remembered by 
some that were there. After sermon we 
partook of the sacrament, and then attended 
to the ordinance of washing feet, and cur 
souls were refreshed. In the evening we 
met at the same place and attended meeting. 
Monday I took the parting hand with Br. 
Wire. lie started for the west, and I tar- 
ried in the place. In the evening I attend- 
ed meeting at the head of Seneca . Lake, and 
stayed all night at Br. John Thurber's. 
Tuesday morning I arose and felt somewhat 
cast down in my mind. I thought of friends 
I had left behind, and longed to see them 
again ; but I found myself in a wilderness 
land, four hundred miles from home, and no 
former acquaintance near. I retired to a 
grove and* there composed the following 
lines : 

Ojtob'er on the nineteenth day, 

Year eighteen hundred twenty-four, 

From home Vm parted far away — 
Distance, four hundred rniies or more, 

On this bright morning early I 

Retired to a shady grove, 
And took my seat beneath the sky, 

And there did these few lines compose.. 

A gloom and sorrow fill'd my mind, 

When I retired to this place — 
f thought of friends I'd left behind, 

A&d wisb'd to see them faee>to face. 



57 

1 to the Lord began to cry, 

For him to send me some relief 
And spare my feeble life till I 

Once more could turn unto the east 

But when I thought for what inteHt 

Into the western clime I came, 
1 said, O Lord, make me content 

To preach the gospel in thy name. 

Wherever thou shalt send me forth- 

In whatever land it may be; 
O let me fee] a greater worth 

Of souls that's bound to misery. 

let me see poor sinners turn 
From sin and folly to their God, 

And I will try the race to run, 

i While I am spared to preach the wor$. 

So if I meet my friends no more, 
On earth, beneath these hostile skies, 

1 hops to meet them on that shore 
Where God will wipe my weeping eyes. 

Then in the afternoon I preached at the 
school-house that I did Sunday, and then 
went to Br. Ellis' and stayed all night. 
Wednesday I wrote a letter to my good 
i friend. Eld, Joseph White, and in the after- 
| noon I preached at Br. Ellis'. The Lord 
| appeared in the midst. At the close of the 
i meeting eight young people manifested, by 
prising up, their determination to seek the 
Lord. They then kneeled down to be pray- 
ed for, and it was a solemn time, I trust that 
i some of them will not be healed until the 
'efficacy of Jesus Christ's precious blood be 
japplied to their hearts, may the Lord 



68 

take up his abode with them and make their; 
wounded spirits whole. 

Thursday 21st, I left Catlm. for Dryden, 
in Tompkins Co. After travelling thirty- > 
six miles over the hills and through the dales, 
among strangers, and in a strange land, I ar-i 
rived in the evening at Wessel S. Mid- 
daugh's in Dry den, and there found a shelter- 
beneath his roof for the night. Friday I met- 
in conference with some of the preachers and; 
brethren that belong to the Owego Q. M,; 
Saturday we convened in a school-house in; 
Dry den, fcr Quarterly Meeting. Br. Hi- 
ram Jones preached in the forenoon, and in 
the afternoon we had a conference. Up- 
wards of forty brethren and sisters spoke oil 
the goodness of God, and it was a refreshing? 
and solemn time. 

Sunday 24th, we assembled in Br. Mid- 1 
daugh's barn, and a large collection of people] 
met. The meeting opened by singing and! 
prayer. A discourse was then delivered by] 
Br. Foster. I then endeavoured to speak tc I 
the people from Psalm 1. 21, 22. " These! 
things hast thou dtfne," fee. Then Elder j 
Daniels delivered a discourse from 2 Timo- 1 
thy it. 6,7, which was followed by a num-j 
ber of exhortations from the brethren and j 
sisters. Great solemnity rested on the con- 
gregation through the meeting. Sinners I 
wept and saints rejoiced. I trust much good! 
was done. May God sanctify this opportu-j 
nity to the good of the people. Monday 1' 
left Drvden and went to Br. Benjamin Vi 



cerp's in Newfield, and attended meeting 
there in the evening. Tuesday morning I 
visited Br. Richard Kiusenand family. He 
had lately publickly professed religion, and 
his wife had rather opposed it : she went to 
the Quarterly Meeting with him on Satur- 
day, and while she heard the children of God 
tell what the Lord had done for them, sjhe 
was constrained to think that it was folly : 
But on Sunday she was pricked to the hearty 
and went home wounded. She now appear- 
ed a humble penitent. One of his daugh- 
ters seemed to be under concern of mind. 
They both promised to seek the Lord, 
When I prayed with them they kneeled and 
wept bitterly. I then bid them adieu; and 
at my departure they contributed 61 cents to 
me, for which I endeavoured to feel thank- 
ful. In the afternoon I left Newfield and 
passed through Spencer into Canada, a dis- 
tance of fifteen miles, and attended meeting 
there in the evening. 

Wednesday 27th, I went to Dean Hub- 
bard's in Canada, and preached in the eve- 
ning in his neighbourhood. Thursday I went 
to Ezekiel Mead's in Owego, aiivd attended 
meeting there in the evening. Friday I 
went to Owego village, and then I went four 
miles up the Susquehannah river an^d attend- 
ed meeting in the evening. Saturday I 
crossed the Susquehannah and went \*o Dea- 
con Bowies', and preached in the evening. 

Sunday 31st, I went to Choakanut, Sus- 
quehannah Co. State of Pennsylvania , and 



60 

preached three times in a school-house. I 
trust it was a profitable season. Backsliders 
confessed, and sinners wept, and saints re- 
joiced. 

Monday, November 1st, I went through 
Warren into Windham, Bradford Co. Penn. 
and preached in the evening. Tuesday I 
returned to Deacon Warren Ayer's in War- 
ren, and preached there in the evening. 
Wednesday I left Br. Ayer's and went to 
Owego, N. Y. and preached in the evening 
near the Susquehannah river. Thursday I 
returned to Deacon Bowles' in the south 
part of Owego, and met Br, Asa Dodge 
there. In *the evening I preached in the 
place, and we had quite a solemn time. Fri- 
day morning I started in company with Br. 
Dodge, for Troy, Penn. and we rode twenty- 
five miles in the rain ; for it was a very 
stormy day. We then put up for the night. 
Saturday morning we started before light on 
our journey — travelled fourteen miles, and 
then stopped at Br. Judah B. Hopkins' in 
Smithfield, Penn. and took breakfast. He 
was formerly from Foster, R. I. We then 
rode sixteen miles, and arrived at Troy 
about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and there 
met with the brethren in covenant meeting. 
We then went to Br. Porter's and stayed all 
night. Sunday morning I went to Columbia 
to attend a meeting that had been given out 
for me. When I arrived at the place I 
found a Calvinist preacher a preaching. He 
informed the people that God had chosen a 



ffi 

part of the human family from eternity, to 
happiness, and the rest he left in a miserable 
situation. In the afternoon I spoke to tlie 
people from Psalm viii. 4. " What is man 
that thou art mindful of him, and the son of 
man that thou visitest him." I endeavoured 
to shew what man had been, and what he 
was now, and how he came into the situation 
that he is — that by his own disobedience he 
plunged himself into misery, and then that 
God had been so mindful of us as to prepare 
a sacrifice to atone for our sins ; and had vis- 
ited us with the true light that iighteth eve- 
ry man — had opened the prison to them that 
were bound — made a way possible for the 
escape of all men — that we by yielding 
obedience to God received the promise ; of 
by complying with the terms of the gospel 
we were brought into the glorious liberty of 
the sons of God — and that by resisting the 
spirit of God we remained in darkness, and 
the wrath of God abideth on us. I then ex- 
horted the people to attend to the one thing 
needful. The Lord seemed to be in the 
midst. The people paid good attention, and 
I trust some of them heard as for eternity. 
In the evening I went to Troy and preached 
to a large collection of people. They were 
attentive and solemn, and I trust that God 
owned and blessed the meeting. O may 
the Lord ride forth prosperously through 
this land, and shew sinners their situation-, 
that they may flee from the wrath to come, 
Monday I attended a meeting in the evening 

" F 



6k 

at Troy. Tuesday evening I attended meet- 
ing. Wednesday evening I attended meet- 
ing with Br. Dodge in Troy. 

Thursday 11th, I went to the south part 
of Trey and preached in the afternoon. The 
Lord gave us a searching time. and. to the 
astonishment of the people, one woman arose 
and confessed that she had been living in 
the wilderness and was determined to come 
out. Friday Br. Dcdge met me at Allen 
Taylor's, and we went about three miles fur- 
ther south and met with a little band of 
brethren for covenant meeting. The Lord 
gave us a blessed time. One young man 
arose in the meeting and confessed his need 
of religion, and expressed a determination to 
seek it. While I was at this meeting I pray- 
ed for a deeper work of grace in my heart, 
and a knowledge of my duty ; for while I 
had been in this place I had thought much 
of Rhode-Island, and my friends there. Hav- 
ing been absent from my kindred between 
five and six months, a desire began to arise 
to see them again, and I had concluded to 
start the next week for heme : but the breth- 
ren began to intercede for me to stay, and 
souls began to look as precious in this place 
as any other. I began tc pray for the Lord 
to take Rhode-Island out of my mind, and 
giv me mei 3fhis . so that I might be 
willing to lay mj bones in this western 
clime "if it was his will, and shew me 
duty, an ' enable me to perform it. Satur- 
day we visited from house to house, and 



found several persons that were under a con- 
cern for their soul's welfare. Atone house 
where we called, the man had been rather a 
vile person, but his heart was so far open 
that he gave us twenty-five cents a piece. 
May the Lord reward him, and save . sinners 
from evil. 

Sunday 14th, I attended meeting at the 
shad school-house in Troy. A large number 
of people were together, and with attention 
they heard the word. Great solemnity rest- 
ed on their minds. At the close of the after- 
noon meeting ten arose to be prayed for. In 
the evening I preached at the village in 
Troy, and a general solemnity seemed to be 
on the minds of the people. A little cloud 
seems to hang over the people in this region, 
and I hope that the time will soon come when 
we shall see a shower of divine grace de- 
scend : A few drops have already come. 
Monday stayed at Br. Porter's. Tuesday 
Br. Dodge and myself visited from house to 
house, and found some tender minds. In 
the evening we attended a meeting in Colum- 
bia. Wednesday evening we attended a 
meeting in the east part of Troy. A large 
number of people collected together, and 
great solemnity appeared to rest on their 
minds. After sermon they 'seemed unwil- 
ling to go away. I began to make enquiry 
among them concerning their eternal wel- 
fare, and found a number mourning the love 
of God to know. Thursday we visited a 
number of families, and conversed and pray- 



64 

ed with theni. We left a number of young 
people in tears, and their language was, pray 
for us. In the afternoon Br. Dodge left me 
and started for Berkshire, N. Y. In the eve- 
ning I preached in Springfield, and had a 
comfortable time. Friday evening I preach- 
ed at the shad school-house in Troy. After 
meeting I went to Major Ezra Lang's and 
stayed all night, and found that one of his sons 
was struck under conviction last Sunday, and 
since that time he had obtained a hope in 
Christ. Lord revive thy work. Saturday 
1 spent the day at Br. Porter's, and in the 
evening I went to visit a family consisting of 
a young man and his wife, and two more 
young people. I found their minds tender. 
The man of the house manifested his deter- 
mination to seek religion. Before I left 
them I prayed with them, and they all 
kneeled. 

Sunday 21st, I went to the south part of 
Troy and preached twice to a large collec- 
tion of people. Great solemnity rested on 
their minds, and tears stole from the eyes of 
many. I trust some resolutions were formed 
to serve the Lord. In the evening I return- 
ed three miles and preached in the school- 
house near Samuel Case's. The Lord met 
with us, and at the close of the meeting 
about twenty arose to be prayed for. It was 
a solemn time. Monday I went to Colum- 
bia, and preached there in the evening. 
Tuesday I went to Burlington. On my v. 
here I felt it dutv to call into a bouse where 



65 

the people had been careless as to religion* 
A number of giddy youth belong to the fam- 
ily, and they had been noted for impruderi- 
cy. i conversed with them about eternal 
things — then prayed with them. When I 
left them the man of the house invited me to 
preach there, which was the first time his 
doors had ever been open for meeting. I 
accordingly gave out an appointment. In 
the evening I preached at Paul Be wit's in 
Burlington. The people were solemn and 
attentive, and I trust some good was done. 
Wednesday I visited several families and 
found one young woman that had lately ob- 
tained a hoDe in Christ. In the evening; I 

J- o 

preached at Nathaniel Allen's in Troy. I 
enjoyed good liberty in speaking, and I 
trust the meeting was not in vain. Thurs- 
day I wrote two letters, one to my father and 
one to Br. Darling. In the evening I preach- 
ed at the village in Troy. Friday evening 
I attended a conference meeting at the shad 
school-house, and had a good time. Saturday- 
attended no meeting. 

Sunday 28th, I preached twice at the shad 
school-house. A large number of people at- 
tended, and solemnity rested on their minds. 
One young woman found a deliverance from 
the burthen of sin, and she told me after- 
wards that she had a feast to her soul. In 
the evening I met Br. Dodge at the village, 
and he preached to the people. The 
would not hold the ^:]}le that cam- .. 
er. Good attention was paid> and 
F2 



66 

some good done. Monday we went six miles 
down the creek, and attended meeting at 
Mr. Lamphire's. At the close of the meet- 
ing thirteen arose to be prayed for. Tues- 
day we returned up the creek, and attended 
a funeral in the afternoon at the Baptist meet- 
ing-house in Troy. In the evening we at- 
tended a meeting at the house where I called 
when on my way to Burlington the week 
before. A large number of people collect- 
ed. I spoke to them from Isah. xlii. 6, 7, 8. 
I had freedom in speaking, and good atten- 
tion was paid. We tarried all night with 
the people, and found a good impression on 
the minds of a number of the family. They 
gave us an invitation to attend another meet- 
ing at their house. 

"Wednesday, December 1st, I attended a 
conference meeting at the Baptist meeting- 
house in Troy. It was appointed for all de- 
nominations to meet together and confer up- 
on heaven and divine things, and pray for the 
outpouring of God's spirit. A large con- 
course of people met. We had a solemn 
time. Sinners wept and backsliders confes- 
sed. At the close of the meeting (it was 
judged) nearly thirty arose to be prayed for. 
It was a melting time. Ride on, all conquer- 
ing King, ride on. Thy kingdom come, 
thy will be done, let heaven and earth agree. 
After this meeting I rode about six miles 
and preached in the evening near Canton. 
Thursday evening I met Br. Dodge at Sam- 
uel Case's school-house, and attended a meet- 



67 

ing. We had a solemn time. The Lord I 
think was in the midst. Friday Eid. Sam- 
uel Wire and Br. James Bignal from N. Y, 
came into the place, and it gladdened my 
heart to see them, having previously formed 
an acquaintance with them. In the evening 
we attended a meeting at the shad school- 
house, and it was a glorious time. Ten per- 
sons, that had not experienced religion, rose 
and told their undone condition, and desired 
the prayers of God's children. Their cry 
was, God be merciful to me a sinner. Sat- 
urday we attended covenant meeting. 
Twenty-five rose in the meeting and testifi- 
ed to the goodness of God. Among the num- 
ber was one young convert that spoke for the 
first time : Others told, by questioning, their 
determination to seek the Lord. 

Sunday 5th, I went to Burlington with Br* 
Bignal. We attended meeting there in the 
forenoon and afternoon. In the evening we 
returned to Troy, and met Br. Dodge and 
Br. Wire at Esq. Allen's, and attended meet- 
ing there. I spoke to the people from Jerh, 
viii. 22. " Is there no balm in gilead," &c. 
Br. Wire also spoke at considerable length ^o 
the people, and it was a solemn time. The 
Lord I believe was in the midst. Monday I 
went with the brethren to Columbia, and Br. 
Wire preached to the people there in the 
afternoon. He and Br. Bignal then started 
for home. In the evening Br. Dodge and 
myself went to a meeting that Br. Evans, a 
methodist preacher, appointed ; but he did 



68 

not come. I spoke to the people from Judg- 
es vii. 4. 4 ' The people are yet too many?' 
Tuesday we went to Troy, and in the eve- 
ning we attended meeting at Tilly Leon- 
ard's. Br. Dodge preached to the people. 
Wednesday evening I preached at Samuel 
Case's school-house, and the Lord met with 
us. At the close of the meeting I requested 
those that desired prayers to come for- 
ward and form a circle, and about twenty 
came forward and kneeled to be prayed 
for. It was a weeping time. Thursday I 
preached in the evening at the village in 
Troy. The congregation was large and at- 
tentive. Friday evening I preached at 
Robert Claflin's. and had a comfortable time. 
Saturday evening I attended a conference 
meeting at Samuel Case's school-house. 
Twenty-two arose and spcke in the meeting. 
Sinners and backsliders confessed, and saints 
rejoiced. 

Sunday 12th, I preached twice at the shad 
school-house, and in the evening at the vil- 
lage. They were attended. I trust, with 
go d effect. Monday I spent the day in 
reading, praying and visiting ; and the night 
at Br. Foster's — felt somewhat infirm in 
body. Tuesday felt rather infirm through 
the day. In the evening I attended meet- 
ing with Br. Dodge in Columbia. "Wednes- 
day I felt more infirm in body, and had a 
pain in my breast, which caused considera- 
ble distress. In the evening Br. Dod-ge and 
myself attended a meeting at Samuel Case's 



00 

school-house. Being weak at my lungs, it 
was with some distress I preached to the 
people. After I. had done speaking, the 
brethren and friends brought their tithes and 
offerings into the store-house, and the Lord 
poured us out a blessing. The meeting con- 
tinued till about 1 1 o'clock, and it was truly 
a solemn and profitable season. Saints wept 
for joy and sinners for sorrow. Thursday 
evening we attended meeting at Mr. Claf- 
lin's. Br. Dodge preached, and we had a 
comfortable season. Friday evening we at- 
tended meeting at Mr. Wilsey's in Troy. I 
tried to preach to the people, and enjoyed a 
degree of liberty. Saturday afternoon I at- 
tended covenant meeting at the shad school- 
house. Three related their expcriGnee, m% 
were received as candidates for baptism. A 
goodly number of brethren spake in vindica- 
tion of the cause of Christ, and we had truly 
a refreshing season to our souls. 

Sunday 19th, I attended meeting at the 
shad school-house. A large- collection of 
people assembled together, and I spoke to 
the people from Heb. xi. 24, 25, 26. Alter 
sermon we repaired to the 'water, .and Br. 
Dodge led three of the converts down into 
the water, and they were buried with Christ 
in baptism. We then returned to the house 
and partook of the sacrament, and it was tru- 
ly a communion indeed ; for the Lord com- 
muned with us. There was scarcely a dry- 
eye in the house. It was truly a solemn,., 
weeping time. In the eveping I went and 



70 

fieard Br. Jud preach at the village. Men- 
evening I preached in Columbia. Tues- 
day evening I preached at Paul Debit's in 
Burlington. Wednesday evening we met 
for conference meeting at Samuel Case's 
school-house. A large number of people 
collected, and the Lord was in the midst. 
Three converts told what the Lord had done 
for them for the first time. Two 01 them 
were young men, and one was an old man 
upwards of sixty : He had been a foremost 
character in the town, among the honourable 
of the world ; but an oppose r to religion : 
The Lord took his case in hand and brought 
him down ; therefore he became a child in 
his old age. One man that had formeily 
been a preacher, but backslid into the world, 
and left off preaching, arose in this meeting 
and confessed his backsliding. I never heard 
greater sorrow expressed from any person, 
than from him. He asked the forgive- 
ness of his children and his neighbours, and 
invited his brother backsliders to return with 
him to their Father's house, and said he was 
willing to go down to the grave with brok- 
en bones if he could only obtain mercy at 
last. It was truly a heart-rending season, 
Thursday evening I preached at Mr. Gri^e- 
rie'sin Troy, and had rather a barren season. 
Br. Dodge left me this day to go to Owe 

Friday evening I attended, a conference 
meeting at the shad school-house, and had a 
comfortable meeting. The brethren were 
much engaged. Saturday I wrote a letter 



71 

to Br. Job Armstrong of R. I. and spent the 
night at Esq. Allen's. 

Sunday 26th. In the morning I felt very 
infirm in body, and hardly able to preach to 
the people : but I met with the people at 
the shad school-house at 11 o'clock. A large 
collection of people assembled, and we open- 
ed the meeting by singing and prayer. I 
then arose and attempted to speak to the 
people from Isah xxvii. 1,2. " A King shall 
reign in righteousness," &c. I had not spoke 
long before my bodily strength was renew- 
ed. I forgot my infirmity, and enjoyed much 
liberty in speaking. When I sat down I 
found that I had spoken one hour and twen- 
ty-five minutes. After I had done speakings 
about twenty of the brethren and friends 
arose and spoke. One young man arose for the 
first time in meeting, with tears streaming 
from his eyes, and expressed the anguish of 
his heart, and the anxiety of his mind to ob- 
tain a pardon of his sins. He was one that 
had been ranked among the respectable, and 
his words were like a two-edged sword 
among his companions. The whole congre- 
gation was in a flood of tears, and truly it 
was a solemn and interesting time — a day I 
think that will long be remembered by some. 
The brethren and sisters' testimonies were 
Weighty in general. In the evening I 
preached at the village. The house was 
crowded, and I enjoyed liberty in speaking. 
I think the meeting was profitable. After 
meeting I retired toJBr. Porter's with about? 



72 

twenty of the brethren and converts, and 
there spent the time in praying for the pros- 
perity of Zicn, until halfpast 11 o'clock. It 
is truly pleasing to see the engagedness of 
the young converts. One young lad about 
15 years old, has spent most of the time ior a 
lew days, in going from house to house, and 
exhorting his young companions, and getting 
them to retire to the groves, and there he 
prays with and for them. The work is truly 
powerful; but the enemies of the cross do 
rage and vent their spite. Some parents 
forbid their children going to the meetings ; 
others cry delusion ; but truly God is in the 
place. O may he carry on the work until 
there shall not be left a dog to move his 
tongue. Monday evening I preached in Co- 
lumbia. Tuesday evening I attended in 
Troy, at Caleb Williams' school-house, and 
had a comfortable time. Wednesday eve- 
ning I preached at Paul Dewit's in Burling- 
ton. 1 enjoyed liberty in speaking, and the 
people were solemn and attentive. Thurs- 
day evening I attended a meeting at Samuel 
Case's school-house. Br. Dodge returned 
and met me there, and we had a comfortable 
season. Friday we went to Columbia and 
attended a funeral. 

Saturday, January 1st, 1825. One year 
more of my life is gone. A new year has 
commenced, and O may I spend it to the 
glory of God, if my life is spared. This day 
I attended covenant meeting with the breth- 
ren at tne shad school-house in Troy. A 



73 

large number of friends and brethren assem- 
bled, and three told their experiences, and 
were received as candidates for baptism. In 
the evening we went to Br. Foster's and had 
a prayer meeting. 

Sunday we met at the shad school-house, 
and a large collection of people assembled, 
Br. Dodge preached, and then we repaired 
to the water, and Br. Dodge baptized three. 
It was an extremely cold day, but the can- 
didates did not hesitate to follow the exam- 
ple of Christ,, but they went forward cour- 
ageous. In the evening I went to the village 
and heard Br. Evans preach, and then re- 
turned to Br. Porter's, and found myself un- 
der great trial of mind — then went to Major 
Long's and tarried all night. Monday I 
found some relief in my mind, and enjoyed 
some consolation. Tuesday evening I at- 
tended a meeting at Williams' school-house. 
After meeting a number of us retired to Mr. 
Williams' house, and had a prayer meeting. 
It was solemn to see the young people bow 
before the Lord, and hear the brethren and 
sisters pray for them. The Lord appeared 
to be with us, which caused saints to rejoice 
and sinners to mourn. Wednesday I went to 
Columbia with Br. Dodge, to attend the fu- 
neral of an aged man. After the funeral, we 
rode ten miles, and attended meeting in the 
evening at Paul Dewit's in Burlington. The 
presence of the Lord was felt, and sinners 
wept aloud for mercy. Thursday evening 
we attended a meeting at Samuel Case's 



14 

school- house , and had a comfortable season. 
Friday evening I preached at Columbia, and 
tarried all night at Capt. Strait's. Saturday 
evening I preached at Robert Clafiin's in 
Troy. The week previous to this meeting 
I had been cast down in my mind, and some- 
times felt as if the reformation was stopping 
in this place ; but this evening the clouds of 
darkness were removed — the sun of right- 
eousness arose in my soul, and I felt my 
strength once more renewed. After sermon 
some stayed for prayer meeting, and we had 
a solemn time. One aged man that lived in 
the neighbourhood had formerly been at va- 
riance with the man of this house, but the 
Prince of peace had lately took possession of 
"his heart, and this evening he invited the 
man of this house to kneel down with him 
and raise their petitions to God ; which he 
accordingly did. The scene was truly af- 
fecting. 

Sunday 9th, I preached at the shad school- 
house, and in the evening at the village in 
Troy, and enjoyed liberty through the day. 
The reformation wheels still seem to be mov- 
ing, and sinners are yet inquiring the way to 
Zion. O Lord, carry on thy work. Mon- 
day I went to Columbia and preached in the 
evening. Tuesday I returned to Tim, and 
attended a conference meeting in the even- 
ing at Williams' school -house. Wednesday 
I went with Br. Dodge to Burlington. I 
preached in the evening at Paul Dewit's. A 
cloud of darkness seemed to hang over the 



75 

congregation, and I enjoyed but little liber- 
ty in speaking. The meeting was closed, 
and to all appearance without but little ef- 
fect ; but after the meeting was closed, the 
people seemed to be unwilling to retire. Af- 
ter a few minutes had passed, I mentioned 
to the people that if any wished to stay, we 
would have a prayer meeting, and most of 
the congregation took their seats. I opened 
the meeting by prayer. The cloud seemed 
still to hang over us. I then arose and ex- 
pressed my feelings, and before I had done 
speaking, I could breathe into liberty a little. 
The cloud seemed to withdraw, and the sun 
of righteousness began to arise. After I sat 
down, an aged man arose and told what a sin- 
ner he had been. The flame began to kin- 
dle, and one arose after another and express- 
ed their feeling. The spirit of the Lord run 
from heart to heart, and the cries of the 
wounded were heard all over the house. At 
the close, Br. Dodge requested those to arise 
that felt the need of salvation, and were de- 
termined to seek the Lord, and the most part 
of the unconverted arose, then all but about 
half a dozen of the congregation kneeled in 
time of prayer, and it was a continual cry, 
Lord have mercy. Truly the Lord was in 
the place, which made it glorious. Thurs- 
day we started for Troy. We called into a 
house by the way, to visit a couple of young 
people that had lately joined together in 
marriage, and settled in the world ; but they 
were brought to see. that they needed one 



76 

tiling mere to make them happy. I think I 
never saw any people have a greater sense 
of their situation than they seemed to have. 
We prayed with them and left them in tears. 
In the evening we attended meeting with 
Br. Foster, at the village in Troy. Friday 
I stayed at Br. Porter's. Saturday afternoon 
I attended covenant meeting with the breth- 
ren, and in the evening I went to Springfield 
and attended a meeting. 

Sunday 16th, I preached at Groves' school- 
house in Springfield. The audience was 
solemn and attentive, and I trust some good 
was done. In the evening I preached at 
William Harkness' in Springfield, and tarri- 
ed there all night. Monday I went to Smith- 
field, and preached in the evening at C. Fer- 
man's. I enjoyed liberty in speaking, and 
the Lord gave us a solemn time. One young 
woman arose and expressed her need of sal- 
vation, and requested the prayers of the 
brethren. Tuesday evening I preached near 
Deacon Racket's in Smithfield, and had 
comfortable time. I stayed all night at Dea. 
H's. Wednesday I returned to Troy and 
attended meeting in the evening with Br 
Bodge. Thursday I went to Columbia and 
preached there in the evening. Friday 
wrote a letter to my father, and returned to 
Troy and attended a prayer meeting in the 
evening, at Br. Johnson's. Saturday I tar 
ried in Troy. 

Sunday 23d, I preached at the shad school 
house in Troy, and enjoyed a comfortalb 






77 

season. In the evening I preached at the 
village. The people were solemn and at- 
tentive. The work of the Lord yet seems 
to be moving in this place. Monday I went 
to the south part of Troy with Br. Dodge, 
and preached in the evening. Tuesday eve- 
ning I attended a prayer meeting at Esq. 
Allen's. We had a good time. Wednesday 
we attended a prayer meeting at the shad 
school-house. The brethren were well en- 
gaged in praying for the advancement of the 
Redeemer's cause. We had a good, solemn 
time. Thursday evening I preached at Bur- 
lington, The Lord appeared in the midst, 
and gave us a refreshing season. Friday 
evening I preached at Joseph Williams' — 
had rather a labouring time. Saturday I 
went to Br. Porter's and tarried till Sunday. 
Sunday 30th, I went to Springfield and 
preached at Grover's school-house. There 
was a large collection of people together, 
and they appeared attentive : but I had a 
very labouring time in trying to preach to 
them, and I felt almost discouraged ; howev- 
er, I gave out an appointment for the evening. 
After the day meeting I retired to a grove, 
and there plead with the Lord to know my 
duty, having felt previous to this time as 
though I had a little duty to do in this town, 
but having such a barren time in my meet- 
ing this day, it caused me to doubt whether 
1 had any duty to do here or not ; therefore 
I covenanted with the Lord, that if he would 
disperse the clouds of darkness in the eve- 



78 

ning, and give me liberty iii speaking, an& 
cause some souls to arise in the meeting and 
manifest their determination tG seek the 
Lord, and desire the prayers of God's chil- 
dren, I would take it for granted that I had 
something to do in the place. I went to 
meeting under a burden, but the Lord ena- 
bled me to leave it in the school-house. The 
clouds of darkness were driven away, and I 
enjoyed liberty in speaking. At the close I 
requested, if there were any that felt the 
need of salvation, who never had experienc- 
ed religion, and were determined to set out 
then to seek the Lord, they would manifest it 
by rising, and I would try to pray for them : 
There were eight or ten that arose. I 
then kneeled down and prayed for them and 
closed the meeting. 

Monday evening I preached at Girden 
Grover's, and the Lord appeared in the 
midst. We had a solemn time, and many 
seemed to be pricked in the heart : The pros- 
pect was encouraging. Tuesday I had the 
privilege of conversing with several tender- 
minded persons, and also of praying with and 
for them. In the evening I went to meeting 
at Mr. White's in Springfield. A man b\ 
the name of Night, from Vermont, preached 
Wednesday I went to Troy, and preached ir 

Sie evening — had a comfortable time. Tues 
ay evening I attended meeting with Br 
Dodge, at S. Case's school-house. We had : 
very good meeting. Friday evening I wen 
to hear Eld. West, a Calvinist preacher 



79 

preach, and lie condemned every body that 
did not believe as he did. Saturday I at- 
tended covenant meeting with the brethren 
in Troy. We had a solemn time. Some 
came forward and offered themselves as can- 
didates for baptism. 

Sunday, Feb. 6th, I attended meeting with 
Br. Dodge, at the shad school-house in Troy. 
A large collection of people were together. 
We had a good, solemn time. After the ex- 
ercises of the meeting, we repaired to the 
water, and Br. Dodge baptized one. It was 
truly pleasing to see the solemnity that rest- 
ed upon the minds of the gazing throng that 
lined the banks. In the evening we attend- 
ed meeting at the village in Troy. Monday 
evening I preached at Grover's school-house 
in Springfield. Tuesday evening I preach- 
ed at Isaac Bow's in Springfield — had a com- 
fortable time, and found many solemn minds . 
Wednesday evening I preached in Troy, 
near Burlington. Thursday evening I 
jpreached at J. Williams' in Troy. Friday I 
went to Canton and attended meeting at Br. 
Clark's. Saturday I returned to Troy, and 
tarried all night at N. Allen's. 

Sunday 13th, I went to Springfield and 
preached twice at Grover's school-house. I 
enjoyed liberty in speaking to the people, 
and good attention was paid to the word. 
Lord bless the people and save them from 
sin. Monday I returned to Troy. Tuesday 
evening I attended meeting with Br. Dodge 
in Troy, near Canton. Wednesday evening 



80 

we attended meeting in Troy, near Burling- 
ton. I preached to the people from Mark 
xt. 14. " Why. what evil hath he done'1" 
I enjoyed liberty in speaking, and the Lord's 
presence was known and felt. After I had 
done speaking, several arose and declared 
what the Lord had done for them — that he 
had lately set their souls at liberty. Saints 
rejoiced and sinners wept : It was a glorious 
season, praise God for it. Thursday I visit- 
ed from house to house, and bid the people 
adieu, it being the last time that I expected 
to visit that part of the town. I found many 
that had entertained a hope in Christ since I 
had been in the place, and others that were 
still enquiring the way to Zion. It filled 
my mind with solemnity when I came to 
think that I must bid them farewell ; but sor- 
row fled a pace when I felt the cords of love 
uniting us together, and hopes revived of 
meeting them J3eyond this mortal scene, 
where joys are for ever more. In the even- 
ing I attended meeting with Br. Dodge at 
Joseph Williams', and we had a solemn time. 
In the course of the meeting his oldest son 
arose and told his feelings to see his young 
companions travelling in the road to heaven, 
and he himself left behind, fears arose that 
hell was his portion : he then kneeled down 
and prayed to God to have mercy on his soul. 
It caused a trembling among all that were 
present. At the close of the meeting eight 
seekers arose and requested the prayers of 
God's children : May the Lord convert their 



H 

souls' and save them from sin. Friday I tar- 
ried at Br. Porter's. Saturday I attended 
covenant meeting with the brethren. Five 
came forward and related their experience, 
and offered themselves as candidates for bap- 
tism, and to join the church. We had a good) 
solemn, heavenly time. 

Sunday 30th, I went with the people to 
the shad school-hbuse for the last time. A 
large concourse of people assembled, and I 
spoke to them from Gal. iii I. "Stand fast," 
&c. I enjoyed considerable freedom in 
speaking, and at the close I bid them fare- 
well. The scene was truly solemn — very 
few but what wept in the assembly. The 
cords of love had so united us together that 
parting seemed like losing near Mends* 
but when hope revived of meeting beyond 
this mortal scene, it animated our hearts, and 
we said, Lord, thy will be done. After ser- 
mon we repaired to the water, and Br. Dodge 
baptized five, (among the number was N.- 
Allen, Esq. a man aged 64 years.) We then 
returned to the house and partook of the sa- 
crament, and it was truly a solemn and inter- 
esting season. I then went to Major Long*s 
and stayed all night. In the evening a num- 
ber of the brethren and sisters came in. We 
had a comfortable season, in conversing upon 
heaven and divine things. Monday I went 
to Br. Porter's and packed up my things for 
journeying, and bid them farewell. I went 
as far as Br. Allen's and tarried all night. 
Tuesday I bid them adieu and went to 



82 

Springfield, and preached in the evening at 
Grover's school-house, and had a comfortable 
time — then stayed all night at Br. Grover's. 
Wednesday I went to Smithfield and attend- 
ed a meeting in the evening at Deacon Al- 
len's, and then went and stayed all night at 
Dea. Hacket's. Thursday I went to Br. 
Ferman's, and preached in his neighbour- 
hood in the evening. Br. Dodge came from 
Troy this day and overtook me here, in or- 
der to go with me to the Q. M. in Newark, 
N. Y. During my stay in Troy about fifty 
were brought into the liberty of the gospel. 
Friday morning we left Br. Ferman's, and 
rode twenty-eight miles through the mud, 
which was very deep, without taking any 
refreshment. We then called into a house 
and asked for some, but received none ; how- 
ever, they fed our horses, and this we was 
thankful for. We then left this place (it was 
now in the edge of the evening) and rode on 
six or seven miles, and arrived at Ezekiel 
Medes' in Owego, N. Y. about 9 o'clock in 
the evening. Here we were cordially re- 
ceived, and treated with hospitality : we 
stayed all night. Saturday morning we went 
to 'Newark and met with the brethren in 
conference. Here we enjoyed love and har- 
mony together, though some labour was 
brought before us which was painful, which 
was to withdraw the hand of fellowship from 
one that had been a preacher of the gospel. 
O the feelings of my heart when I see old 
men fall ! CKLord, deliver me from the snare 



• 89 

of the fowler. In the evening we met for 
public worship. I endeavoured to preach to 
the people from Rev. xiii. 4, and had a com- 
fortable time. 

Sunday 27th, we assembled for public 
worship. After opening the meeting by 
singing and prayer, Br. Asa Dodge preach- 
ed to the people. After he delivered his 
discourse, I spoke to the people from Ezek, 
xxxvii. 3. The Lord gave us liberty in 
speaking, and we trust the season was not 
spent altogether in vain. We then closed the 
meeting. In the evening, while at Br. 
Hedge's, a young man came in that had been 
pricked in his heart, in the meeting. Mon- 
day morning, when we were about to leave 
Br. H's, the young man, before-mentioned, 
came in and requested us to pray for him. 
His language was — " I have been so great a 
sinner I am afraid there is no mercy for me." 
I trust he is not far from the kingdom. Br. 
Dodge accompanied me this day to Eld. Dan- 
iels', in Dryden. 

Tuesday, March 1st, Br. Dodge left me to 
return to Troy, Penn. It was a solemn sea- 
son with us when we took the parting hand, 
having enjoyed each other's company in the 
gospel field about four months : But duty 
called us now to part. Feeling that Chris- 
tian love uniting our hearts together, caus- 
ed a hope to revive of meeting beyond this 
mortal scene, where parting will be no 
more : May the Lord grant it to be our hap- 
py lot. I tarried this day at Br. Daniels', 



ring — e-njoyc 
time. Wednesday 

p and went through Homer into 
:. and put up with I 
::::h-c.:-.T E;-i:::^. :.".:. 

:g. Thurs 
John Gould's in >pahbrd. and 
i in the 
m b in :ne neighbourhood, ana let- 

:■ my brother Ethan Ihornton. Satnr- 
ing I preached at the sehool-h 
near the centre of Spafford. and had a sc h 
time. 

.day 6th. I wen' ra the north paj 
Spaflbrd with Br. Go 1 Id. and at! 
I spoke in i 
noon. We enjoyed Liberty in speaking 
reined to ha-c good effect 
if the people. We had c ed to 

hawe returned hac e centre town 

: veuing. but feeling an unusual : 
a our mi peo- 

in that place, we stayed all night. 
I an appointment tor a meeting 
evening. Mo no ay we i 

and conversed and pi 

e people, and found many solemn 

minds. In the evening we went to ourap- 

itment A 1 of people as- 

and nil: r. I felt 

ave. 

I a.:-:sc and >poke about one honi to the peo- 
irds recoj .' ;-.i in Rev, vi. 16 
17. - Aiid pa$£ to the i- 



85 

fall on us," &c. The Lord gave me liberty 
in speaking, and the word seemed to have its 
desired effect. Great attention was paid by 
the people, and solemnity rested on their 
minds. Many tears were shed, and at the 
close one woman arose and expressed her 
need of salvation, and came forward and 
kneeled down in the midst of the congrega- 
tion, to be prayed for. It was truly a solemn 
time. May the Lord have mercy on the 
people in that place. Tuesday evening I 
preached at the centre school- house in Spaf- 
ford. Wednesday I preached a funeral ser- 
mon at William Rounday's in Spafford. A 
solemn and attentive congregation were to- 
gether. I enjoyed liberty in speaking to 
them. In the evening I preached in the 
same neighbourhood. The people gathered 
together again to hear the stranger, and I 
trust the time was not spent in vain. The 
prospect of reformation was encouraging. I 
stayed all night in the place. Thursday I 
visited a family, where I found a young wo- 
man about to bid adieu to the world, and go 
through an untried scene. She had long 
been sick with a consumptive complaints 
In her sickness she had found him of whom 
Moses in the law and the prophets did write, 
Jesus of Nazareth. This made her sick bed 
more comfortable; but her language was — 
" a sick bed is a poor place to prepare for 
death." In the evening I preached at the 
centre school-house. We had a good time, 
and the brethren were engaged — backsliders 
H 



86 

confessed, and sinners wept. The prospect 
was encouraging. Friday I went to the 
north part of the town In the evening we 
assembled for meeting. Eld. Gould preach- 
ed to the people. At the close of the meet- 
ing twt> young women manifested their de- 
sire for salvation, by coming forward and 
kneeling down to be prayed for. It was 
quite a solemn time. Saturday I tarried in 
the place — felt very much cast down, and 
dejected in mind : Anxieties began to in- 
crease to see my parents and kindred again. 
I retired to the woods, and then laid my com- 
plaint before the Lord. I was almost led to 
repine at my lot ; but the goodness of God, 
the worth of souls, and the prospect of heav- 
en, caused me to bid my murmuring thoughts 
be still, and say, " not mine, but thy will be 
done, O Lord." 

Sunday 13th, I preached three discourses 
in the north part of Spatford, to a large and 
attentive congregation. A general solem- 
nity seemed to rest on the minds of the peo- 
ple, and I hope some good was done. Mon- 
day I visited a Grammar school which was 
taught in Marcellus, by Mr. S. Pratt. Tues- 
day I went to the south part of SpafFord, and 
preached in the evening. Wednesday even- 
ing I preached in Etisco. Thursday even- 
ing I preached in Spafford* The congrega- 
tion was attentive and solemn. 

Saturday, April 9th. Since the 13th of 
March I have been 17 days to the Grammar 
school in Marcellus, to study the English 



87 

language, and attended twenty-one meetings 
in these regions in the time. The peopTev 
in this place kept my horse and boarded me 
free from expense, while I attended the 
•school, and Mr. Pratt gave me my tuition. 
I have great reason to be thankful for such 
favours as these ; for I find the study which 
I have attended to, is very beneficial to me. 
O may the Lord reward the people for their 
, kindness and hospitality. The meetings 
which I have attended in this place have gen- 
erally been crowded with attentive hearers, 
and many of them have been solemn and re- 
freshing. I have some reason to hope that 
my labour has not been altogether in vain. 
This day I went to Scott (8 miles) and at- 
tended meeting with Br. J. Greene, and 
preached twice to the people. We had a 
comfortable time. 

Sunday 10th, I attended meeting with 
Eld, Gould in Spafford, and preached my 
farewell discourse, expecting to leave this 
place for Rhode -Island in a few days. We 
had a solemn and affecting time. I also 
preached in the town in the evening. Mon- 
day I began to prepare for my journey. 
Tuesday I left Br, Asa Ferry's, (near Mar- 
cellus) where I had made it my home dur- 
ing my stay in the place, and went to the 
centre of Spafford. Wednesday I tarried in 
Spafford. Thursday morning I received a 
letter from Br. J. W. Darling, which inform- 
ed me that he was in Oneida County, and 
expected to tarry there till May, and re- 



88 

quested me to come there. I immediately 
left Spafford and travelled that day to Eaton, 
(35 miles) and stayed all night at my aunt 
Pitt's. Friday I went to Varona, and preach- 
ed in the place in the evening. Saturday I 
attended meeting with the Seventh-day Bap- 
tists, and preached with them. While I was 
at meeting, Br. Darling arrived at the place, 
and our hearts were made glad at the recep- 
tion of each other again. At 3 o'clock we 
attended covenant meeting with the Free- 
will Baptist church in Varona, and we had a 
good time. 

Sunday 17th, we attended meeting in the 
Pratt school-house in Varona. Br. Darling 
preached in the forenoon, and I spoke to the 
people in the afternoon. We had a solemn 
time through the day. In the evening we 
attended meeting at Br. Ichabod Williams' 
in Varona. I preached to the people, and 
then Br. D. followed with a good exhorta- 
tion. We enjoyed a comfortable time. Mon- 
day I started for Rhode-Island. Br. Dar- 
ling accompanied me about six miles, and 
then we took the parting hand from each 
other, here in this distant land from our 
homes. It was a solemn parting to us, know- 
ing not that we should ever see each other 
again ; for he tarried in this western land, 
and I was going to the east. After parting, I 
rode on a lonesome road awhile, then stopped 
to bait my horse, and he refused to eat. I 
then rode on through" Utica to Herkimer, 
and put up at Dygert's tavern, and found my 



89 

horse still refused to eat as usual. The 
landlord told me the horse distemper was 
coming upon him, (which I found afterwards 
to be true.) Tuesday I went from Dygert's 
to Canajoharrie, 35 miles, and stayed all night 
at Br. Jonathan Silsberry's. Wednesday I 
went to Charleston, and found my horse fail- 
ed every day. I stopped at Eld. John 
Spore's father's, took dinner and had my 
horse bled, and then went to Deacon Potter's 
and stayed all night. Thursday I went to 
Albany and put up at a tavern, and found 
the inhabitants of the place filled with pro- 
fanity and wickedness. Friday I went from 
Albany to Austerlitz, 29 miles. Saturday I 
went to Sandersfield, Mass. and stayed all 
night at Abner Claflin's. 

Sunday 24th, I went to meeting in the 
place, and was invited by Eld. Hart well, a 
Baptist, to preach to the people, which I did 
in the afternoon. I also gave out an appoint- 
ment for 5 o'clock, at Br. Jones'. I attend- 
ed that, and enjoyed liberty in speaking to 
the people, but found religion low in the 
place. Monday I went to New-Hartford, 
Ct. expecting to find a preacher and breth- 
ren there ; but when I arrived at the place, 
I found the preacher gone, and the brethren 
scattered, sq I put up at a tavern. Tuesday 
I journeyed on through Hartford, found my 
horse continued to fail in appetite and 
strength; therefore I got along but little 
ways in a day. I put up that night at Rob- 
ert's tavern, 9 miles east of Hartford. 
H2 



so 

Wednesday I went to Deacon Richmond's in 
Ashford. There I found friends once more. 
Here I had the happiness of seeing Clarissa, 
the female preacher under whose preaching 
I had once sat with delight. Thursday I 
tarried at Br. Richmond's. Friday I start- 
ed on my journey homeward, and travelled 
as far as Killingly, and put up at Wm. Stone's 
tavern. Saturday morning I went on as far 
as Br. Smith's in Scituate, and took break- 
fast ; then rode on and arrived at my father's 
house about 1 o'clock, P. M. I found my 
parents alive and well, and by them I was 
bid welcome under their domestic roof. My 
brothers and sisters were all alive, (though 
not all of them living at home, so that I did 
not see them all that day,) and my heart was 
made glad at my arrival once more at my fa- 
ther's dwelling. 

During my absence from home (which 
was eleven months and six days) I travelled 
2891 miles, and attended 367 meetings. 
When I came to take a retrospective view of 
my travels, and the many dangers the Lord 
kad brought me through— how he had pre- 
served my life while many others had gone 
to the eternal world, and returned me to my 
kindred again, it caused my heart to flow 
with gratitude to him, and to exclaim, that I 
had the greatest reason to praise God of any 
one. 

Sunday, May 1st, I went to Smithfield to 
meet with the brethren, and heard Eld. 
White preach in the forenoon, and in the 



91 

afternoon I preached to the people, and en- 
joyed considerable liberty in speaking to 
them. I met unexpected with the breth- 
ren, they having not heard of my arrival till 
they saw me at the meeting-house ; but we 
were glad to see each other again. In the 
evening I preached at Br. White's, and we 
had a good meeting, Monday and Tuesday 
I visited my brothers and sisters that lived 
away from my father's, and we were happy 
to see each other again. Friday I met with 
the Elders and brethren in Glocester, for 
Elders' Conference. Saturday and Sunday 
I met with them for Quarterly meeting in 
Chepachet, and we had a comfortable sea- 
son. 

Monday 16th. The week past I tarried 
at my father's the most of the time, and some 

Eart of the time I was very much out of 
ealth. Saturday I met with my brethren 
in church meeting, and Sunday I preached 
with them at Smithfield meeting-house, and 
enjoyed a good time. At 5 o'clock I preach- 
ed at Benjamin Brown's in Johnston. This 
day I am again at my father's, and am enjoy- 
ing a comfortable state of health, and feel 
some of the goodness of God in my heart. 
His cause appears precious, and I feel desi- 
rous to be spent in the same, O Lord, help 
me to be useful in my day and generation. 
Tuesday at 1 o'clock I attended a funeral at 
James Fenner's in Johnston, and at 5 I at- 
tended a meeting at the central school-house 
in Glocester. Wednesday I attended a meet- 



92 

*ing at 4 o'clock at sister Bullard'sin Burrill- 
ville, and in the evening at Chepachet. 
Thursday I went to the east part of Burrill- 
ville, and attended ^ meeting in the afternoon 
at the Union school-house. I stayed in 
Burrill ville till Saturday, and attended 
church meeting with the brethren. Satur- 
day evening I went to Blackstone in Men- 
don, Mass. As soon as I arrived in the place, 
my ears were saluted with the death of a 
young man who was drowned that afternoon 
a little below the village, and was brought 
into the place after my arrival. Soon after 
my arrival a messenger came for me to attend 
a funeral the next day at Laban Thayer's, 2 
miles from the village. This evening Dea- 
con Reed and myself were sent for to visit 
the house where the young man was brought 
that was drowned, and I was requested to at- 
tend his funeral the next day. My mind 
was filled with solemnity when I saw the 
person that was hurled out of time into eter- 
nity in so sudden a manner. I prayed with 
the people and left the house. When I re- 
tired to bed I felt to put up my petitions in 
earnest to God for his protection, and his 
grace to assist me in my duties the next day, 
Sunday morning I arose and retired to the 
woods, and there offered my morning sacri- 
fice to God, and plead for his assisting grace. 
At 10 o'clock the people assembled at the 
meeting-house for worship. I preached to 
them, and then left the place for Laban 
Thayer's, to attend the funeral of his wife, 



93 

which was appointed at 12 o'clock. I found 
a large assembly collected when I arrived at 
the place. I preached to them from 1 Pet., 
i. 24, 25. After service I immediately re- 
turned to Blackstone to attend the other fu- 
neral. When I arrived there we found the 
corpse decayed so fast that it was necessary 
to bury it before sermon. It was done, and 
the people returned from the grave, and as- 
sembled at the meeting-house about 4 o'clock.. 
The house was filled, and many could not 
get in. I spake to them from Isa. xlii. 23. 
"Who among you will give ear to this? 
Who will hearken and hear for the time to 
come." I found the Lord to be my helper, 
so I enjoyed liberty in speaking. A general 
solemnity rested on the minds of the peo- 
ple and I pray God to sanctify the scene ta 
their welfare. After exercise I retired to 
Br. Tucker's, much fatigued with the labour 
of the day; but when I recounted over the 
goodness of God, and the assisting grace 
which I had received to enable me to perform 
the duties of the day^ I felt to retire to the 
grove and offer up my thanks to God for his 
loving kindness to me. In the evening I 
attended a conference meeting at Br. Reed's, 
and we enjoyed a comfortable season. Mon- 
day I started for home, and visited some on 
the way, and stayed all night at Br. John 
Hawkin's in Smithfield. I arrived home on 
Tuesday, and stayed there until Friday, 27th 
of May, and then I went to Pawtucket, and 
on Sunday I preached in the place three 



94 

times, and enjoyed a comfortable season, 
Monday I went to Rehoboth, and preached 
there on Tuesday. 

Wednesday, June 1st, I went to Raynham 
and preached in the evening. Thursday I 
went to Moses Lincoln's in Norton, Mass. 
I stayed there through the week, and visited 
the brethren. I felt to rejoice to meet those, 
in this place, with whom I had had many 
good meetings. I had been absent from 
them about one year; but I found them 
standing fast, in general. Sunday, I preach- 
ed with them. Monday I started for the 
Yearly Meeting in New-Hampshire — trav- 
elled through Boston and Charlestown that 
day. Tuesday I travelled through Ando- 
ver, Haverhill and Kingston, to Exeter, N. 
H. Wednesday I travelled through Dur- 
ham and Dover, to Rochester, and stayed all 
night at Deacon Drown's. I also stayed 
there on Thursday. While I was on this 
journey I had as great trials and besetments 
by the enemy, as I almost ever had in my life. 
.1 was once tempted while on my way, to re- 
turn home, and proceed no farther; but 
through the grace of God I was assisted along. 
Friday Br. Drown went with me to New- 
Durham, where the Yearly Meeting was to 
be holden. Saturday and Sunday I met 
with the brethren that came together from 
different parts, for Yearly Meeting, and we 
had a glorious time. Saints rejoiced and sin- 
ners wept. Sunday, after meeting, I went 
to Barnstead, Monday I returned as far to« 



95 

wards home as Hawke, and stayed all night 
at Br. Thomas Colby's. Tuesday I went to 
Boston. Wednesday I went to Mendon. 
Thursday evening I preached at Blaekstone, 
in Mendon. Friday I arrived at home, and 
found my kindred once more alive and welL 
Saturday I attended church meeting. Sun- 
day, June 19th, I preached in Smithfield. 

August 8th. Since the 19th of June I have 
spent most of the time at home, and worked 
the most part of July at haying, but attend- 
ed meetings every Sabbath — have not en- 
joyed my mind very well ; but had great 
anxieties to see religion flourish. Yesterday 
I attended two meetings, one in Scituate and 
one in Johnston, and enjoyed the most free- 
dom in speaking that I have done of late, 
and hope through grace to see good days yet, 

may the Lord let his kingdom come, and 
his will be done. This evening I attended 
a meeting with Br. Fairfield, at the .new 
school-house in Scituate, and had a comfort- 
able time. 

Tuesday 9th, we attended a meeting at my 
brother Ethan Thornton's. Wednesday we 
started for Taunton to attend the Q. M. and 
went as far as Attleborough, gave out an ap- 
pointment for meeting, and I preached there 
in the evening. Thursday I went to Nor- 
ton, and preached in the evening at Moses 
Lincoln's. Friday I attended Elders' Con- 
ference at Br. Harvey's, and in the evening 

1 attended meeting at Raymon's factory in 
Norton* with. Br. Read. Saturday I met 



96 

with the brethren in Q. M. and we enjoyed 
a comfortable season through the day. In 
the evening I preached at J. Godfrey's in 
Easton. Sunday we met again at the meet- 
ing-house in Taunton, and the people assem- 
bled from all quarters, and filled the house. 
Eld. Greene preached once, and I preached 
once, and Eld. Allen once, in the course of 
the day. At the close of preaching Br. H. 
N. Loring was Ordained to the work of the 
ministry. We then partook of the sacra- 
ment, and had a comfortable time through 
the day, and I trust good was done. Mon- 
day I went to Rehoboth.and preached in the 
evening. 

Tuesday, Aug. 16th, 1825, I went home. 
This day I was twenty-six years old. 
Wednesday I visited Br. White. Thursday 
tarried at home, was taken unwell, and bled 
at least half a pint at my stomach, which ren- 
dered me very feeble. I had a meeting ap- 
pointed this evening, but was unable to at- 
tend it. Friday evening I had an appoint- 
ment at Br. Eddy's in Glocester. I rode to 
the place in the afternoon, but was unable to 
preach in the evening. Through infirmity 
of body and inclemency of the weather, I 
was unable to get from there until Sunday 
afternoon, at which time I went home. 

Monday 22d, I tarried at home. Tuesday 
morning I was afflicted with the teeth ache, 
and went away in the forenoon wid had two 
pulled out. Wednesday I werA to a fun t ■I'- 
ll in Glocester, and felt very feeble through 



m 

the day ; but in the evening I attended a 
meeting with Elder M. Cheney, in Scituate: 
Thursday I attended two meetings with him. 
Friday I went to Olneyville with Br. Che- 
ney, and attended two funerals. I then went 
into Providence, and returned home that 
night. Saturday I went to Mendon, Mass. 
and attended a church meeting with the 
brethren in the evening at Blackstone village. 
Sunday 28th, 1 had two meetings appoint- 
ed in this place, and when the morning ar- 
rived, I hardly knew what to do, having not 
been able to preach since I had the turn of 
bleeding, owing to the weakness of my 
lungs; but I was soon informed that Elder 
Ross was in the place, and I soon found him. 
He not knowing of my appointments, had 
come to preach, which gladdened my heart ; 
however, bethought it not his duty to preach 
but once, therefore I attempted to preach in 
the forenoon, and we had a refreshing time. 
I also gave out an appointment for the eve- 
ning, and then retired to Br. Read's* and 
felt so infirm that I took my bed, and fell in- 
to a sleep ; but Br. Read awoke me about 
meeting time. I arose, feeling hardly able 
to sit up ; but I went to the meeting, and 
preached about one hour. When I had done,, 
I felt smarter than I did before I began. I 
stayed in this place and vicinity until Fri- 
day, the 2d of September, end preached one 
funeral sermon, and attended several meet- 
ings during the time, and theii went hom&* 
Saturday i attended monthly conference. 
I- 



98 

Sunday 4th, I preached in the forenoon at' 
the Smithfield meeting-house, and in the 
afternoon attended a funeral in Glocester. 
Monday 5th. This day being previously 
appointed by my brethren to ordain me, we 
accordingly met at the meeting-house in 
Smithfield, and I was ordained to the work of 
an Evangelist and minister of the New Tes- 
tament, by the laying on of the hands of El- 
ders Joseph White, Reuben Allen, Daniel 
Greene, and Daniel Williams. I was now 
in my 27th year* 

Now, O Lord, since I have undertaken so 
arduous a work, feeling moved upon by thy 
Spirit to do the same, I pray for thy aid and 
assistance, that I maybe enabled to perform 
my duty in thy fear, which shall be for the 
upbuilding of thy cause, and advancement of 
thy kingdom. O may I never prove a Ju- 
das, nor deny my Master. May I never fall 
out by the way, and wound the feelings of 
my brethren, who have counted me worthy 
of so high a station : but, O Lord, may I yet 
see good days — see sinners converted — see 
saints rejoicing — see thy cause magnified, 
and be enabled, through grace, to glorify thy 
name, and at last be saved with the redeem- 
ed, for Christ's sake. Amen. 

Tuesday I started in company with Br. 
Fairfield, for Connecticut. We went as far 
as Eld. Williams' in Glocester, and stayed 
all night. Wednesday we went to Coven- 
try, Ct. Thursday we went to Middletown, 
and arrived there about 7 o'clock in the even- 



99 

ing, having rode the most part of the day m 
the rain ; but we found a good home when 
we got here. Friday morning I felt very 
infirm, having taken some cold the day be- 
fore. This day we visited the widow of Eld. 
Josiah Graves, and found her and her family 
in affliction Some of them were now sick, 
and the Elder and one of his daughters had 
died a short time before. He was the only 
Free-will Baptist preacher in this part of the 
State, and he has now left the walls to sound 
the trump no more. We also visited Deacon 
Hall this day, and tarried with him all night. 
Saturday we went to Berlin, and gave out an 
appointment for meeting. 

Sunday 11th, we attended three meetings 
in Wallingford, two in the day time and one 
in the evening. I was enabled to preach 
once, and we had a good time. I trust some 
good was done. Monday we went to Br. 
Paiges', and on our way w r e visited a family 
that death had recently taken away two of 
their number. We found their minds very 
tender, especially the man of the house, and 
to all appearance conviction was fastened on 
his mind, as a nail in a sure place We at- 
tended a meeting in the evening at Br. Pai- 
ges 5 in Wallingford, and Br. Fairfield preach- 
ed, and we had a good meeting. Tuesday 
evening we attended meeting at a brick 
school-house in Westford, and 1 preached to 
the people ; but found that my bodily in 7 
iirmity was too great to preach much- 
Wednesday evening we attended a meeting 



100 

4 

at a Mr. Smiths' in Berlin. Br. Fairfield 
preached. Thursday we returned to West 
field. I found my bodily infirmity increas- 
ing. Friday I felt more sore at my stomach 
than I had done before, and attended with 
some pain. Saturday I felt easier at my 
lungs, and in the afternoon attended church 
meeting with the brethren, at the Baptist 
meeting-house in Westfield, and we enjoy- 
ed a good time. After meeting, Br. Fairfield 
and myself went to sister Holibot's to stay 
all night. About bed time I was taken bleed- 
ing at my lungs, and bled a considerable 
quantity, and rested but little the night af- 
ter. 

Sunday morning, the 19th, f felt very in- 
firm, and my stomach continued to bleed 
some. We had an appointment to preach at 
the meeting-house this day. I went to the 
meeting, but was unable to preach. Br. 
Fairfield preached both forenoon and af- 
ternoon. After sermon, through Christ 
strengthening me, I was enabled to adminis- 
ter the sacrament to my brethren, and we 
had a comfortable time through the day. 
We then went to Rosea Goodrich's and stay- 
ed all night. T rested but little through the 
night, and my stomach bled some. Monday 
morning I felt more infirm, and my stomach 
continued to bleed some. I felt very mijph 
dejected in mind, and felt desirous to return 
home : but it being so far, I felt unable to 
ride on horseback, and could see no way open 
for me to £0. I bemoaned mv case awhile. 



101 

and then resigned it -up to the Lord. Br. 
Fairfield had an appointment this evening 
in Meriton, threfore he left me about 2 
o'clock this afternoon, to bemoan my case 
alone, and I expect to enjoy his company no 
more at present ; tor he is going from Meri- 
ton to North Haven, and then to Salem, and 
I anticipate going home this week if my 
health will admit. My heart almost broke 
when Br. Fairfield left me ; for we had en- 
joyed each other's company so much, and 
now called to part in a distant land, knowing 
not when we should meet again, caused the 
scene trying ; but separation was needful, 
and we must obey. Lord have mercy on us, 
and bring us together again. I stayed at Mr. 
Goodrich's through this day, and in the even- 
ing I had another turn of bleeding, and bled 
more than I ever had done before at any one 
time, and it rendered me unable to lie on 
the bed, therefore I sat in my chair all night. 
Tuesday 20th, I felt very infirm, and my 
stomach continued to bleed some through 
the day. I had a Doctor visit me, but he 
did nothing for me, only gave directions to 
take some medicine. In the former part of 
this day I felt very much unreconciled to 
my lot, and dark in my mind : it seemed as 
though I could not endure the thought of be- 
ing sick a distance from home, and deprived 
of preaching the word ; for the gospel field 
began to look more extensive, and labourers 
scarce. I began also to take a look at the 
little good I had done in my days, and felt a> 
12 



102 

great anxiety to do more before I left the 
walls. I wrote a letter this clay to my fa- 
ther, informing him of my situation. I felt 
more reconciled in mind in the afternoon, 
and rested considerable well that night. 
Wednesday I remained about the same, but 
bled some. Br. Fairfield having heard of 
my being more unwell, returned this day 
where I was. I was troubled some this day 
with a cough, had a tolerable night's rest. 
Thursday morning I felt as well as I had 
done this week ; but in the afternoon I felt 
more unwell, and my cough was mere dis- 
tressing. Friday I remained about the same, 
but continued to spit some blood. Br. Fair- 
field left me this day to go to Salem. I 
spent the day in praying, reading and com- 
posing verses. I felt rather more composed 
in mind. Saturday morning I felt very fee- 
ble, and spit some blood, and my strength 
seemed to be failing. In the evening I spit 
blood again. 

Sunday 5th, I remained about the same. 
I continued at Mr. Goodrich's. Monday I 
fancied myself a little better. Br. Fairfield 
returned this day to where I was. Tuesday 
I remained about the same. Wednesday I 
rode out about three miles in a carriage, and 
it fatigued me considerable. I thought of 
starting for home the next day, but found 
myself too feeble to ride, and gave up the 
idea. Thursday morning I raised some 
clods of blood, but rode out three miles this 
day on horseback, and returned again. Fri- 



103 

day I rode out again. I do not discoyer as 
my health is much better — my cough is more 
severe, and my mind remains discontented. 

Lord, reconcile me to thy will and dispen- 
sation, and let me feel the joys of thy salva- 
tion. 

Saturcay, October 1st, and Sunday the 2d, 

1 stayed at Mr. Goodrich's, and spent consid- 
erable part of the time in reading, and had 
some solemn views of eternal things. Mon- 
day Br. Fairfield and my self started for home. 
We rode as far as Manchester, seven miles 
east of Hartford. I was unable to ride out 
of the walk. Tuesday morning we left Man- 
chester, and it soon began to rain. We rode 
as far as Bolton, and put up at Dagget's tav- 
ern, and stayed there till Wednesday morn- 
ing. Wednesday morning we started early, 
and rode as far as Dr. Peckham's in Killing- 
iy, which was thirty-four miles. We arriv- 
ed there about halt past 7 in the evening, and 
I was very much fatigued, and my appetite 
was gone. I retired to bed, but had a rest- 
less night. Thursday morning I pursued 
my journey. Br. F. left me in Giocester. 
and I travelled the remainder of the way 
alone, and arrived at home little before sun- 
set. I felt somewhat thankful for the privi- 
lege of entering my parents' habitation once 
more alive, though very much fatigued in 
body, having rode 75 miles since Monday 
morning, and was unable to ride faster than 
the walk any of the way. When I arrived 
at home I found that my brother Steere had 



104 

gone to Connecticut with a carriage, after 
me. He missed of me while I was at Dr. 
Peckham's, and went as far as Ashford, and 
there heard of my passing by the day before.. 
He therefore returned, and got home about 
10 o'clock this evening. The reason of his 
not starting after me before, was because my 
father received no intelligence of my sick- 
ness until Tuesday evening, the 4th of Oct. 
which was the evening before he started, al- 
though I sent a letter two weeks before, and 
wrote on the back for it to be forwarded as 
quick as possible : but it lay in the Post Of- 
fice eight or ten days, within two miles of 
my father's. O Lord, bring people to a re- 
pentance for their negligence, and forgive 
them the same, and help me to be thankfuL 
for thy goodness, and make me more recon- 
ciled to thy will. I had a restless night this 
night. Friday I felt more unwell, had a vi- 
olent pain in my head, and was unable to set 
up much of the day. Saturday morning I 
felt more comfortable, and have been ena- 
bled to fill up my Journal from Tuesday last 
Sunday 9th, Monday 10th, and Tuesday 
11th, I remained about the same, unable to 
exercise but little. 

Sunday 16th. The week past I have con- 
tinued very infirm ; but was enabled yester- 
day to meet my brethren in church meeting, 
for which I feel to thank God. This day 1 
have been enabled to go to Smithfield to 
meeting, and heard the word dispensed by 
Eld. Brown. Monday I tarried at home, 



105 

and felt some better, and hopes revived of 
recovery. Tuesday I went to Smithfield 
and heard the celebrated Lorenzo Dow 
preach. Wednesday I continued more com- 
fortable in body, and spent considerable of 
the time in reading, writing and secret devo- 
tion. 

Friday, Oct. 28th. I have tarried at home 
until this day, and through the blessing of 
God my health has been on the mend. This 
day I went to Providence, and tarried till 
Monday 31st, and then returned home. . My 
exercise rather increased my infirmity. 

Monday, Nov. 7th. My bodily infirmity 
remains too great to admit of much exercise ; 
but through the blessing of God I was ena- 
bled to meet with my brethren yesterday, 
and heard the word dispensed, and made a 
few observations myself. We had a com- 
fortable time. 

Monday 14th. I have enjoyed some of the 
goodness of Gcd for a week past, but still 
remain infirm in -body ; but thanks to God 
for health sufficient to go to the place of wor- 
ship, and the privilege of hearing his word 
dispensed, if I cannot publish it myself. 
_ Thursday, Dec. 29th. Since the 14th c£ 
Nov. I have tarried at my father's the most 
part of the time, and my infirmity has pre- 
vented my labouring; but have enjoyed 
health sufficient to go to some meetings. 
Last Tuesday evening I went to meeting at 
Br. Tourtellott 3 s in Glocester, and delivered 
a short discourse to the people ; but I found 



106 

my infirmity too great to admit of much ex- 
ercise. Yesterday I returned home, and 
felt very infirm, and do also to-day. I have 
passed through many serious trials since my 
debilitated state has prevented me from la- 
bouring in the gospel field. I discover my- 
self useless at present, and often feel a bur- 
den to myself and others ; yet still will I 
trust in the Lord, though he slay me, 

Sunday, Jan. 1st, 1826. Through God's 
long suffering I am numbered with the liv- 
ing. I have ended the last year with infirm- 
ity of body, and remain so. Another year 
has ushered in, and perhaps this scripture be- 
longs tome — '- This year thou shalt die:" 
If it does, Lord fit me for the scene ; and if 
I am suffered to live, help me, by thy Spirit 
and grace, to live to thy glory. 

Friday 6th. I still remain infirm, but was 
enabled this day to meet with my brethren 
in Elders' Conference, and enjoyed a com- 
fortable interview. Saturday 7th, and Sun- 
day 8th, we met in Quarterly Convention at 
Sinithfield, and enjoyed a good season. 

Thursday 19th. For two weeks past I 
have felt a little increase of health, and this 
evening I attended a meeting at Br. D. 
Mathewson's, and spoke a considerable time 
to the people. Sunday I went to a funeral in 
the former part of the day, and in the even- 
ing attended meeting at my brother Ethan's* 
and w T as assisted to speak considerable. 

Sunday, Feb. 12th. This day I went to 
Smithfield to meeting, and was enabled to 



107 

preach a short discourse in the forenoon, and! 
Eld. Taylor preached in the afternoon. We 
had a good time through the day. Monday 
I went to a funeral, and the person deceased- 
was about 100 years old. In the evening I 
went to a meeting, and in walking about 8 
miles this day (which was further than I had 
walked before in so short a time in four 
months) I found my bodily strength had 
increased some. I also felt, in some meas- 
ure, the inward man growing in the knowl- 
edge of God. 

Wednesday evening, 15th, I attended a 
meeting in my own neighbourhood, and was 
enabled to preach to the people. Thursday 
I had a violent pain in my head, which ter- 
minated in a severe turn of the influenza, 
which confined me to my room four days, 
and to my bed the most part of that time. 

Sunday, March 5th, I went to Smithfield 
to meeting, which was the first time that I 
had been away from home since my sickness, 
The week following I stayed at home ; and 
Sunday the 12th, I went to Scituate to meet- 
ing, and heard Eld. Knight preach, and in 
the evening, with much infirmity, I preach- 
ed at the same place. 

Saturday 18th, I met with my brethren in 
church meeting, and enjoyed a comfortable 
time. Sunday I attended two meetings in 
Scituate, and was assisted, considering my 
infirmity, to speak more than I could have 
expected. I also felt my spiritual strength 
renewed. 



108 

April 28th. Since the 19th of March tlie 
Lord has been good to me, though I have 
been infirm in body. I have been enabled 
to attend some meetings, but I feel the want 
of more divine grace, for God is my only 
refuge; 

Sunday, April 30th, I attended a meeting 
at the central school-house in Scitnate, and 
enjoyed a degree of liberty in speaking. I 
pray the Lord to sanctify the meeting to the 
good of all pre sent. ' 

Sunday, May 7th. For a week past I have 
enjoyed a degree of consolation in my mind, 
and this day [ attended meeting in Smith- 
field, with Br. White, and preached once. 
We had a good time through the day. 

Sunday 14th, I went to a Methodist Q. 
Meeting in Smithfield. The week previous 
I enjoyed my mind very well. Saturday 
20th, I met with the brethren in church 
meeting, and for two or three days previous 
I passed through keen trials Sunday and 
Monday following I was weighed down heav- 
ier with the same. Sunday 28th, I preach- 
ed in Scituate. 

June 1st. Infirmity is still my portion ; but 
the Lord is good, and his cause appears m : e 
beautiful, and I feel a degree of heavenly en- 
joyment in my mind; and in Christ is my 
hope, and confidence, and expectation of fu- 
ture happiness. Saturday 3d. I atten i 
monthly meeting with the bret! n 

Smithfield. Sunday i preached at j . R 
dalPs in Johnston. Mondav and Tue^uar 



109 

following I was much afflicted with an ague 
in my face, and pain in my head. 

Sunday 11th. During last week I was ve- 
ry infirm, and feel so to-day ; but through 
God's goodness I went five miles to fulfil an 
appointment; but when I arrived at the 
place I found that another man had an ap- 
pointment, so I was a hearer. Saturday 17th^ 
I met in church meeting with my brethren , 
and the Lord met with us, and gave us a bles- 
sed time. Sunday I preached in Smithfield, 
and through the assistance of God was ena- 
bled to speak with more ease than I had be- 
fore since my long infirmity, and it increased 
a courage or hope that I should be able yet 
iQ labour more in the vineyard of the Lord; 
but how uncertain are all things here below : 
yet one thing is certain, that I am nearer my 
grave than ever before : But I have great 
reason to praise God that I am spared, though 
I have passed through severe afflictions ; but 
I have enjoyed many divine blessings. May 
I be kept humble and thankful, and be puri- 
fied and made white, and fitted for a blessed 
immortality, 

Wednesday, June 21st, I attended a fu- 
neral in Smithfield. Sunday 25th, I attend- 
ed a meeting at the central school-house in 
Scituate,and found the Lord's help in tjme 
of need. All glory to his name. 

Saturday, July 1st. The week past I 

have been surrounded with the mercies of 

God, and enjoyed a comfortable frame of 

mind. I still feel an increased anxietv ' for 
J 



lit 

lioliness, and to be moulded into the image 
of my Master. This day I attended month- 
ly meeting with my brethren, and found still 
an unity of spirit. May God fill us with 
divine love. Sunday I attended meeting at 
Smithfield with Br. White, and one was 
baptized. God's assistance was known ; and 
at the close of the meeting we had a good 
communion season. July 4th, I attended 
meeting in Scituate. Sunday 9th, I attend- 
ed meeting in Scituate, and Br. Fairfield at- 
tended with me, and preached to the people. 
Through the goodness of God we enjoyed 
one more meeting together, after a separa- 
tion in body eight or nine months, and it 
seemed like old times, when we often walk- 
ed to the house of God together. Friday 
14th, I attended a funeral in Scituate. 15th, 
attended church meeting. 16th, preached 
twice in Smithfield. Sunday 23d, with 
much difficulty I preached twice in Smith- 
field. Monday 24th, my mother closed her 
mortal scene, and bid adieu to the world, and 
all her earthly friends ; and this after many 
months of affliction, and four months confine- 
ment. The Wednesday following she was 
conveyed to the silent grave, the place ap- 
pointed for all living. The scene was trying 
and heart-rending : it was the first breach i 
that death ever made in my father's family ; 
and now my father and his five children are 
left to mourn the loss of a kind and affection- 
ate companion and mother, and I for one 
have lost that parental care that I never more 



i 



Ill 

can receive from her, and a loss that can nev- 
er be made up to me in earthly toys. O 
Lord, help me to lay it at heart, and remem- 
ber her good instruction, and prepare to fol- 
low her to the bosom of the grave, which 
soon may be my lot and portion. 

Sunday 30th, I preached once in Scituate, 
and enjoyed a comfortable time. Monday I 
went to Cranston, and when I arrived there 
I was informed the first thing, that a person 
was dying in the neighbourhood, and that 
another died the day before. Ah! thought 
I, the shafts of death are flying around me on 
every side ; and it has become my lot to go 
from the house of mourning to the house of 
death. 

Tuesday, Aug. 1st, I attended the funeral 
of the person that died the day before. 
Wednesday I went into Providence, and 
then returned home. Thursday I went to a 
meeting at Br. C. Smith's in Scituate, and 
heard C. H. Richmond preach. Saturday I 
attended monthly conference with my breth- 
ren, and we had a comfortable time. Sunday 
I 'preached once at the central school-house 
in Scituate. A large collection of people 
were present, and the Lord appeared among 
them, and gave us a blessed time. I trust 
some good seed was sown, which I hope will 
spring up and grow, and bare fruit to the 
glory of God. 

Sunday 13th. The week past I stayed 
the most of the time at home, and still feel* 
ing the bonds of infirmity? I made applica- 



112 

ticn to a physician for some medicine. This 
day it was so rainy that I attended no meet- 
in "<**. 

Wednesday, Aug. 16th. This day com-. 
pletes the 27th year of my life, and com- 
mences the 28th, and I view my glass of life 
fast running out. When I look back upon 
tny past life, I see but little good which I 
have done in Zion, and when I look around 
and see the greatness and ripeness of the 
harvest, and the few labourers engaged 
therein, my heart says. O Lord, give me a 
restoration of health, a lengthening out of 
days, and much of the spirit of Christ, that I 
may sound the alarm, blow the trump, and 
do good in my day and generation ; and I 
will try to spend and be spent in the cause 
of God, and no other : for in his cause I want 
to live, in his cause Iwant to die, and in his 
kingdom I want to reign eternally : May 
this be my happy portion for Jesus' sake. 

Saturday 19th, I attended church meeting 
with my brethren, and we had much labour 
or business on account of backsliding breth- 
ren ; yet before the close we had a solemn, 
heavenly time, and felt the presence of God 
in our meeting, to grace our performances. 
Sunday I preached twice in Smithfield. Af- 
ter meeting I went to Scituate and married 
a couple of young people. I was assisted to 
perform the duties of the day beyond my ex- 
pectation, considering my infirm state. May 
God sanctify the labour for good. Thursday 
24th, 1 left home for Quarterly Meeting— 



118 

went to Olneyville and stayed all night* 
Friday I went to Rehoboth, Mass. and met 
with the Elders and brethren in conference, 
Saturday and Sunday we met in Q. M. and 
enjoyed much of God's goodness and bless- 
ings through the whole interview. Sunday 
evening I returned to Pawtucket, and at- 
tended meeting, and heard the word deliver- 
ed. Monday I returned home. Wednes- 
day I attended a funeral in Smithfield. 

Friday evening, Sept. 1st, I went to a 
meeting in Scituate. Saturday I attended 
covenant meeting with the brethren. Sun- 
day and Sunday evening I attended meeting 
at the central school-house in Scituate. At 
the close of the afternoon meeting we com- 
memorated the death and suffering of our 
Lord, by the administration of the sacra- 
ment, and we had a solemn time through the 
day. God's assisting grace and Spirit were 
granted unto us, and his name I trust was 
glorified. Monday evening I went to a 
meeting at*my brother Ethan's. Tuesday I 
went to a meeting where one was baptized. 
Saturday and Sunday I attended the Yearly- 
Meeting of the Six Principle Baptist, and 
Saturday evening I preached at Asa Mathew- 
son's in Scituate, not far from where the Y* 
M. was held. I enjoyed a comfortable in- 
terview during both days, and I trust some 
good was done in the name of the Lord. 

Monday 11th, I attended a meeting at R. 
M. Andrew's in Scituate. Two female la- 
bourers, viz. Susan Humes and Nancy 
J-3 



114 

Towle, were present, and improved the 
time : They appeared much in the spirit of 
the work, and it was calculated, I think, to 
do good. The meeting was attended with a 
good degree of solemnity. Some sinners 
wept, and confessed their need of Christ. 
Tuesday evening I went to a meeting at the 
central school-house in Scituate. Sister 
Towle preached, and a good prospect ap- 
peared ; but nothing special took place. 
Wednesday evening I attended a meeting 
at my brother Ethan Thornton's, and sisters 
Humes and Towle were present. After we 
had spent about two hours in praying and 
exhorting, there were eight or ten poor, 
mourning, sin-sick souls came forward and 
acknowledged their need of a Saviour, and 
kneeled down to be prayed for ; but their 
cries soon drowned all the vocal prayers of 
the brethren and sisters. In all my travels 
and experience, I think I never saw a deep- 
er repentance, and greater struggles, than 
several of the poor mourners manifested; 
and others stood around, to appearance, aston-* 
ished and confounded, while the broken ac- 
cents and loud acclamations arose from the 
penitents, saying, "Lord Jesus, come and 
convert my soul — Lord save me a sinner — 
What a great sinner I have been — Lord, what 
shall I. do — Lord, I give myself a w ay,' &c. 
After about two hours struggle, four mani- 
fested a deliverance, and went away rejoic- 
ing and praising God, and truly it was a pen- 
tecost season, and the work ..of God. O Lord ; 



115 

spread the work which thou hast begun, and 
get to thyself a great name in this place, by 
the salvation of souls. The above season I 
trust will be remembered to eternity. 

Friday evening I went to meet an appoint- 
ment at the central school-house in Scitu- 
ate. When I arrived at the place I found 
the door closed and locked, and a multitude 
of people stood around the house, waiting 
for admittance. I learned that the key was 
sent to one of the directors, in order to keep 
the door closed. I sent a boy for the key, 
and at length obtained it. We went in and 
had our meeting. Sister Towle preached, 
and at the close of the meeting we were for- 
bid having any more evening meetings in 
the house, notwithstanding it was built free 
for all denominations to preach in, and so 
agreed by the society. I learned afterwards 
that one man was the only cause of the door 
being closed. Lord have mercy on him. 
We had, however, a comfortable meeting, 
and at the close two came forward and knelt 
down to be prayed for, and they prayed for 
themselves. We withdrew^ our Sunday ap- 
pointment from the school-house to Br. 
Smith's. Saturday I attended church meet- 
ing with the brethren, and had a good time. 

Sunday I7th, I went to the meeting at Br. 
Smith's. Many people assembled, good at- 
tention was paid, solemnity rested on the 
minds, sinners wept, and the prospect for 
reformation continued encouraging. Young 
converts sang and praised God, and old saints 



n6 

rejoiced to join the theme, All glory to do& 
and the Lamb. Monday I attended a funer- 
al with Br. White, in Scituate ; and in the 
evening I attended a meeting at Richard 
Andrew's in Scituate. 

Tuesday evening I attended a meeting at 
my brother Ethan's, and it was another time 
of the Lord's power. Sinners cried for mer- 
cy, and five found deliverance in the course 
of the meeting from the burden of sin, and 
many others went away heavy laden. Lord 
have mercy on them. Wednesday evening 
I had a return of bleeding at my stomach. 
Thursday, Friday and Saturday I stayed at 
home, and felt very feeble. 

Sunday £4th, 1 went to my appointment 
in Scituate ; but sister Towle preached, and 
the reformation seemed to be progressing — 
young converts were bold in testifying God's 
goodness to them, and the brethren seemed 
to abound in the work of the Lord. 

Monday, Oct. 2d. For a week past my 
infirmity has much confined me at home. I 
made one more application to a physician ; 
but according to my present feelings I have 
but little encouragement, unless the great 
Physician undertakes my case. O Lord, 
ripen me for glory as fast as my body ripens 
for the grave. Yesterday I was enabled to 
get to a meeting, and heard the word dis- 
pensed. My anxieties yet remain for the 
welfare of Zion, and the prospect yet ap- 
pears encouraging in Scituate. May the 
Lord rule and reign triumphantly. 



117 

Saturday, Oct. 7th. This day I met with 
my brethren in church meeting, and had a 
comfortable time ; though I felt some pain of 
soul at beholding the iniquity which seemed 
to corrupt the church militant ; but I com- 
forted myself some by considering that the 
day of justice will arrive, and draw a sepa- 
ration line between purity and hypocrisy; 

Sunday 8th, I attended meeting at the 
central school-house in Scituate, and in 
the forenoon heard the experiences of 
four young converts, and received them 
as candidates for baptism, and in the after- 
noon, they with one more were baptized 
by Elder White. We had a good time 
through the day. Great solemnity rested on 
the people in general, and the prospect ap- 
peared encouraging. Monday I tarried at 
home. Tuesday evening I went to my 
brother Ethan's to meeting and stayed there 
all night. Wednesday morning I went to 
Providence and took the steam-boat for New- 
port, and arrived there about two o'clock in 
the afternoon. I tarried there till the 24th 
of October. I made this visit to that place 
in quest of health, but I found little improve- 
ment in my health during my stay there ; 
therefore 1 returned to Providence on the 
24th, and on Wednesday the 25th, arrived 
home at my father's, and was a little com- 
forted at seeing my kindred again. Many 
a danger the Lord has led me through, and 
I am still spared, for what, he only knows.— 



118 

Thursday I felt very much fatigued with my 
past exercise. 

Sunday, 29th. I went to meeting in Scitu- 
ate, and saw one baptized ; in the evening I 
went to my brother's to meeting. 

Saturday, Nov. 4th. I went in the even- 
ing to a meeting at Arnold Salsbury's in 
Scituate. 

Sunday 5th. I attended a meeting at the 
central school-house in Scituate. S. Humes 
preached, and after sermon, one young 
woman told her experience, and de- 
sired to be baptized. The brethren 
received her as a candidate for baptism. We 
then attended to the administration of the 
Lord's supper, and had a solemn time. We 
afterwards repaired to the water. For the 
first time I waited upon the candidate into 
the liquid stream, and immersed her beneath 
the rolling waves. Previous to this, I had 
had much exercise of mind respecting offic- 
iating in the capacity of administrator, and 
have trembled much at the cross, and being 
infirm at this time, caused me to rely much 
on the arm and strength of God, and I found 
him to be a present help in time of need ; in 
short, I was enabled to perform the task with 
ease and receive a great blessing to my soul. 
Let God's name be praised. In the evening 
we had a meeting at my father's, and had a 
^ood time. 

Saturday, Nov. 11th. Since last Sunday, 

have enjoyed a comfortable state in body 

And mind. This evening I went to a meet- 






119 

ing at Mr. King Tucker's in Scituate, and 
enjoyed a good season. I stayed there all 
night. 

Sunday morning a ycung man came after 
me to go to Glocester to attend a funeral, 
which was appointed at 10 o'clock. I started 
immediately with him in a wagon, and rode 
a very rough way, which very much distress- 
ed me (being weak at my stomach) and it 
being late when I arrived at the place, I 
had to begin to speak in a few moments, and 
while I was speaking and after I had done, 
it was a solemn time, the death being a sud- 
den one. Immediately after exercise, I 
started on rny way for Scituate, in order to 
attend a meeting ; but when I arrived at Mr. 
Tucker's, I found myself so much fatigued, 
that I was obliged to take my bed for the after- 
noon. After the people returned from meet- 
ing I arose and took tea, and started for my 
brother Ethan's to attend an evening meet- 
ing. When I arrived there, I felt so infirm 
that I took my bed again, and lay during the 
commencement of the meeting. And while 
sister Humes was preaching, and while I lay 
in pain and distress of body, eternal things 
appeared pleasant to me. I felt a strong 
hope of immortality and eternal life. About 
8 o'clock I felt more easy in body ; there- 
fore I arose and went in among the people, 
and communicated a little to them. The 
brethren and young converts were much en- 
gaged, and before the meeting closed, the 
power of God rested on the whole congrega 



120 

gation. Sinners wept aloud and cried *fo? 
mercy, and saints shouted for joy. I do not 
remember of ever feeling much more of the 
sensible presence of the Lord than in that 
meeting. There was not a dog to move his 
tongue against the work. All seemed to be 
solemn. Glory to God and the Lamb. 

As soon as I had returned to Mr. Tucker's 
on Sunday, a messenger came for me to at- 
tend a funeral on Monday, which I accord- 
ingly did. 

Tuesday I felt rather feeble, my exercise 
having been too much for a few days past, 
having also taken some cold. 

Wednesday evening I went to a meeting 
at David Tucker's in Smithneld. 

Thursday 1 returnen home, feeling very- 
unwell . 

Friday. I feel more unwell. My cold 
increases. Lord, help and support me ; the 
liar vest is great and labour wanted, but la- 
bourers few. : therefore help, Lord. 

Saturday I met with my brethren in 
church meeting. 

Sunday, Nov. 19th, I attended meeting 
at the central school house in Scituate, and 
in the forenoon heard two young men and 
one young woman relate their experiences, 
and in the afternoon I pabtized them. It 
was a solemn, heavenly time through the 
day. I bless God for his assisting grace to 
help in this time of need. The work of re- 
formation yet spreads and the work looks 
glorious. 



< 

Tuesday I went to Providence to Visit t* 
branch of the Smithfield church, and had dis- 
agreeable labour. O Lord, may the disci- 
ples learn meekness and not seek who shall 
be greatest. 

Saturday evening 25th, I attended a 
church conference at Mr. K. Tucker's. 

Sunday 26th, I went to meeting at thq 
central school-house, and sister H. preached. 

Thursday 30th, I preached in the afternoon 
at Robert Stephens' in Scituate, and in the 
evening at Samuel TefFt's in Johnston, and 
had a good time. 

Satuaday, Dec. 2d, I attended a funeral in 
Scituate, and in the evening a meeting. 
Sunday I attended a meeting at Olney Tay- 
lor's in Johnston. Monday I felt considera- 
ble worn down. Tuesday evening I attend- 
ed a meeting with Br. Fairfield in Scituate. 
Saturday evening I attended a meeting at 
O. Taylor's. 

Sunday 10th, I attended a meeting at O. 
T's, and in the evening attended a meeting 
at N. Hopkin's in Scituate. Sister Humes 
having been confined with a severe fit of sick- 
ness for two weeks past, there were not so 
many meetings attended, nor so much labour 
done as formerly in the cause, which caused 
the work of reformation to appear dampened 
a little; but this evening it took a new 
spring. I felt the power of God resting on 
me soon after I arrived at the meeting, and 
while delivering my soul, I perceived it on 
the whole congregation ,- and it became a sol- 



emn, weeping time. Three sin-sick souls 
desired the prayers of the children of God, 
which were freely offered up for them. 

Saturday 16th, I attended church meeting, 
and in the evening attended a meeting at (X 
T's. Sunday I preached at the central 
school-house in Scituate, and in the evening 
attended a meeting at my brother Ethan's. 

Sunday 24th, I attended a funeral in Scit- 
uate, and in the evening a meeting at O. Tay- 
lor's. Monday I went to Smithfield to meet- 
ing, and heard Eld. Tobey preach. Tues- 
day I commenced teaching a school. 

Sunday, Dec. 31st. This day closes up 
another year ; and although I am numbered 
with the living, yet my days are fast running 
out, and I soon must stand before the Judge 
to give an account. This day being very 
snowy, I stayed at home. 

Monday, Jan. 1st, 1827. This day com- 
mences a new year, and I am engaged in a 
school, in order to infuse a little knowledge, 
and gain a little sustenance, of which I stand 
in need. What events will pass before the 
earth shall this time form its revolution, are 
unknown to me, and lie in the womb of futu- 
rity : But above all, may I through grace 
glorify God in my body and spirit. 

Sunday 7th, I attended a meeting at the 
central school-house in Scituate, and in the 
evening at my brother Ethan's. 

Friday 12th. I attended the Elders' Con- 
ference in Smithfield. Saturday and Sun- 



12S 

day following I attended the Q. M. and had 
a good time through the whole. 

Sunday 21st, I attended meeting in Scit- 
uate with Eld. Jordan, and also in the even- 
ing. He preached. 

Saturday 27th, I went to Providence. 
Sunday morning preached in Olneyville. 
On my way home, in the afternoon, I stopped 
at one of my neighbours and saw an old lady 
breathing out her last moments. Oh t what 
a sdlemn sight to see a person in the agonies 
of death, with kindred and friends standing 
around, and no one able to render relief; for 
there is nq discharge in that war. Wednes- 
day I attended the funeral of the old lady 
that died Sunday. 

Sunday, Feb, 4th, I w T ent to meeting in 
Smithfield, and in the evening at Scituate. 

Sunday 11th, I went to meeting in Scitu- 
ate. Saturday following I attended church 
meeting. Sunday I went into the north 
part of Smithfield and attended a funeral. 

Sunday 25th, I attended meeting with Br. 
Fairfield in Scituate. 

March 3d and 4th, I attended the Metho- 
dist Q. M. in Smithfield. Saturday follow- 
ing I attended a funeral in Scituate, and in 
the evening a meeting at my brother Eze- 
kieFs. Sunday I went to a meeting in Scit- 
uate, and in the evening attended a meeting 
at the Factory village. 

Thursday 15th, I closed my school, and in 
the evening went to a meeting at my brother 
Ethan's* Friday I went to a meeting in 



124 

Scituate. Saturday I attended church meet- 
ing. Sunday I attended meeting with Eld 
Jordan in Smithfield. 

Saturday 24th, I attended meeting in the 
evening at home, and felt an attack from the 
enemy, with all his forces : Motification took 
place, spiritually ; and Sunday morning I 
like to have died — obscurity was desirable— 
a waste howling wilderness was preferable. 
My God knows the trials of my mind, and 
the scenes through which I have passed 1 for 
two years past. O Lord, when shall I be 
delivered from this body of death : Like the 
prophet I feel myself held in derision, and 
like the foolish man, began to build, and 
through infirmity am not able to finish : or, 
in other words, am obliged to retire from the 
walls of Zion. O Lord, why is it thus, 
these thoughts pass my mind, and a thousand 
others of a like nature ; not that I # wish to 
complain, but to submit to the will of heav- 
en : for God hatha right to do as he pleaseth 
with his own, and no one should say, why, or 
whatdoest thou 1 Only give me grace, Lord, 
equal to my day, and I will try to be content 
Let me feel the gospel assurance, and it shall 
be enough. 

Sunday 25th, I went to a meeting in the 
afternoon in Scituate, and in the evening at- 
tended a meeting at my brother Ethan's, 
Here I found some relief from trials : The 
Lord appeared to be present to help, and his 
goodness was felt and spoken of, by most all 
his children that were present, Thursday 



1S5 

evening I preached at Arnold Salsbury*s in 
Scituate. 

Sunday, April 1st, I went to a meeting in 
Scituate, expecting to hear Eld. Stone 
preach; but to my astonishment, when I 
was introduced to him he said he wanted mfe 
to preach for him, giving as a reason, that he 
had lost the power of speech ; which was 
evident by a hoarseness on his lungs. With 
much difficulty I tried to preach to the peo- 
ple. In the evening I attended a meeting 
at C. Smith's, and had a good time. 

Sunday evening 8th, I attended a meeting 
in Scituate. The day before I attended the 
funeral of a young man in Scituate. Mbri- 
day I went to Glocester, and retuned Tues- 
day. Soon after my return a messenger 
came after me to attend a funeral the next 
day of a young woman that was confined only 
one week with sickness, and then snatched 
away in the bloom of life— a solemn warning 
to all. Next day I went to the funeral, and 
the evening after I went to a meeting at the 
central school-house in Scituate. Saturday I 
attended church meeting. 

Sunday loth, I attended meeting in Smith- 
field, with Elders White and Jordan, and 
heard Fid. White pre&ch his farewell ser- 
mon, to his Rhode-Island brethren, being 
ready to depart on the morrow for the east, 
and expecting to see our faces no more ia 
the flesh ; his health being such that he cal- 
culated on retiring to private life. The 
scene was trying and solemn to us all, to fart 
K 3 



1M 

with one that had laboured so much for our 
welfare and spiritual good. 

Sunday 22d, I attended a meeting with 
Br. Fairfield in Scituate, and baptized one. 

Sunday, May 6th, I attended a meeting 
in Scituate, and felt very feeble the week 
following. Friday I went to Burrillville, 
and attended Elders' Conference. 

Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th, I attend- 
ed Q. M. and had a good time. 3Ionday 
morning while on my way home, I received 
news of the death of sister Susan Humes, and 
that I had been sent for to attend her funeral 
that day, in Providence. I accordingly 
went. Elder Tobey preached on the occa- 
sion ; and it was a solemn time, especially to 
me. I stayed in Providence all night ; and 
Tuesday I returned home, and stopped to a 
funeral on the way. 

Saturday 19th, I attended church meeting 
with the brethren. Sunday was a day of 
God's favor to me. Between 12 and 1 o'clock 
1 met with about five hundred people, on the 
west bank of the Moshancecut pond in Scit- 
uate. The water was calm, the air clear, and 
the scenery around was all beauty. Not- 
withstanding my weakness of lungs, and long 
felt infirmities, God increased my strength, 
and opened such a door of utterance while 
addressing his throne, that my voice was heard 
ene mile, on the opposite side of the pond, 
and many words understood distinctly. Af- 
ter prayer I went down into the water, and 
baptized two beautiful youth, who with 



127 

much fortitude followed the example, and. 
obeyed the command of their Lord. The 
solemn attention of the people, and presence 
of the Lord, made the season interesting and 
glorious. We then went to the central 
school-house, and there, in the presence of a 
crowded congregation, a discourse was de- 
livered by Eld. Read, and then the brethren 
and sisters surrounded the table of the Lord, 
and partook of the sacrament. This day's 
opportunity will, I believe, prove a lasting 
blessing to many. Glory to God. 

Sunday 27th, I preached a funeral sermon 
at Wm. Harris' in Smithfield, on the occa- 
sion of the death of one of his sons. It was 
with much infirmity that I preached, and I 
felt the effects of it the week following very 
much. 

Saturday, June 2d, I attended monthly 
conference with my. brethren and sisters. 
Having previously been advised by some of 
my friends and brethren to cease from preach- 
ing, on account of my ill health, and apply 
more closely to means, to see if it would not 
have a tendency, through the blessing of God, 
co restore my health, I consulted my breth- 
ren in conference on the subject, and con- 
cluded to cease : but it was trying to me ; 
however, I feel sensible, as I have laboured 
with much infirmity a year past, and increas,- 
ed none in health, that if I do not discontinue, 
I shall soon run down to that degree that I 
shall soon finish my course ; and as I have 
row come to this conclusion, may God add 



128 

his blessing, and prepare me for usefulness 
yet in life, if it can be consistent with his will. 

Sunday 3d, I went to meeting in Scituate. 
Elder Davidson preached. 

Sunday 10th. I had the privilege of at- 
tending meeting in Scituate, and heard Elder 
Read preach, and at eve we had a comforta- 
ble conference at Br. Smith's. 

The week following I felt more unwell. 

Sunday 17th. In the forenoon I attended 
at the central school-house in Scituate, and 
assisted in organizing a Sabbath School, which 
commenced that day, and the little exercise 
much exhausted my strength. However, I 
met with the brethren in meeting there at 
4, P. M. and after meeting, returned home. 
Monday and Tuesday I felt feeble, and Tues- 
day night I went to bed afflicted with the 
tooth-ache, and about 1 o'clock I had a re- 
turn of bleeding at my stomach. My father 
arose, and seemed some terrified; but much 
composure filled my mind, especially after I 
had stopped bleeding. I lay down on my pil- 
low and had the fallowing reflections, viz t 
The earth is the Lord's and the fulness there- 
of, and he has a right to do as he pleases with 
all his creatures ; therefore I ought not to 
murmur or complain at his hand dealing with 
me, but resign willingly to his care ; and a 
calm resignation seemed to fill my mind. I 
remained very feeble through the week. 

Sunday 24th. Several of the brethren 
came in to see me, having heard I was more 
unwell, and in the afternoon I rode about a 



129 

mile to meet with them in conference meet- 
ing, and had a good time. I had endeavour- 
ed to ask wisdom of God respecting my case i; , 
but perhaps have followed too much the im- 
agination of my own heart and the directions 
of every adviser, and having taken much 
medicine that seemed ineffectual, I came to 
the conclusion this day to lay all aside one 
week, and make my case a subject of solemn 
prayer and serious inquiry, to see if God in 
his providence will open any way or give 
evidence to my mind of any means whereby 
I may proceed to effect a removal of my in- 
firmities, 

Saturday, June 30th. I went to sister An- 
gelPs to attend monthly conference, and was 
taken bleeding soon after I got there, and 
felt unable to stay ; so I returned home. 

Sunday, July 1st. I was unable to go to 
meeting. Tuesday I was very sick and had 
a Doctor. Wednesday Iwas unable to sit 
up but little. Thursday, Friday and Satur- 
day I remained very feeble, but a little more 
comfortable. To all appearance my out- 
ward man is decaying, and the prospect ap- 
pears dark as to the recovery of my health, 
and my anxiety and exertions are about gone 
resDecting the matter. I feel to leave tha 
event with God. And during my severest 
affliction, I have felt a comfortable compos- 
ure. Blessed be the Lord for strength int 
the hour of weakness, and grace in the hour* 
of trial. 



130 

Sunday. 8th. I remained about the same 
Several of my brethren and sisters came in 
to see me, which revived my spirits some. — 
The company of friends is comforting in the 
hour of affliction. The week following I 
remained much the same, very feeble. 

Friday 13th. Elders Tobey. Cheney and 
Jordan came to see me, and it reminded me 
of Elder Colby and his sickness in Vermont, 
when the Elders visited him to pray with 
him. It seemed providentially that so many 
came to see me at a time. Elders Tobey and 
Cheney came together, and Elder Jordan 
came not knowing the others were here. — 
Their visit was truly comforting. They 
stayed through the afternoon, and at the time 
of or a I/ttle before their departure, Elder To- 
bey fervently addressed the throne of grace 
in my behalf, and a little faith seemed to 
spring up in my heart that God would an- 
swer it. The next day I had the privilege 
of seeing manv of mv Christian friends, for 
they hold church meeting at our house. 

Sunday, August 12. Since the 14th of 
July I have been confined at home, but able 
to walk out. 13th. I was taken bleeding, 
and immediately confined to my bed, and 
have been confined ever since, and it is now 
the 16th of September. Now to appearance 
my days are few. If any one wonders why 
I write this sketch of my life, it is to show 
what God has done in me and forme, with me 
and through me. So I submit it. 

ABEL THORNTON. 



131 

BROTHER THORNTON'S LAST MOMENTS. 

From the Free- Will Baptist Magazine* 
Monday morning, August 13th, 1827, about 3 o'clock, I was 
Aroused by the sound of distress, and found Br. Abel Thornton 
Bleeding very fast from his lungs. Stud he, "I have almost done. 
Lord take me, give me a mansion." He was immediately confin- 
ed to his bed, and deprived of the power of speech, so that he 
eould be understood only by a low whisper. In the afternoon of 
the same day he had another turn < f bleeding. On Tuesday morn- 
ing and evening his bleeding at the lungs returned again. In the 
evening a number of friends and neighbours being present, he con- 
versed with them, and told them he expected soon to leave them, 
and that he felt ready and willing to die. He then selected a 
chapter in the Bible, which was read, and requested the prayers 
of the children of God that he might have an easy passage through 
the valley of the shadow of death. Sister Thornton addressed the 
throne of grace in his behalf. The power of God was manifested — 
the heavenly raptures of the new Jerusalem were unveiled to him, 
and his mind was filled with joy and peace. It was truly a solemn, 
weeping time. Wednesday he enjoyed consolatiou in his mind.— 
On Thursday Elder Jordan visited him : he told him he thought 
his days to be few, and requested that he would attend his funer- 
al. On Saturday he was in great distress of body, until about 3 
o'clock in the afternoon, when, in a measure, his distress left him, 
and the power of speech was returned to him, and notwithstand- 
ing the weakness of his lungs he was enabled to speak sufficiently 
loud to be heard and understood in the outer room. Said he, the 
power of speech is what I have prayed for, and I think the time 
is near that we must be parted. father ! said he, when I came 
from the western regions, you was ready and willing to receive me 
lander your roof: Do try to live in the holy commandments of God, 
so that, when time with you shall be o'er, I may welcome you 
home to my heavenly Father's kingdom. Others present who had 
known a Saviour's pardoning love, he affectionately exhorted to 
live faithful to God. On the first of the following week he was 
more comfortable s and the physician had some hopes he might be 
able to walk out again; but on the following week his cough in- 
creased, and his body appeared to be fast wasting away, while his 
soul and spirit were ripening for immortal glory. On being asked 
if he did not expect to recover? no, he replied, the field is all 
shut up before me, and there is no more work for me to do. El- 
ders Read, Westcott and Jordan, visited him at the same time^ 
and conversed with him of the great and solemn change that 
awaited him. They asked him whether it was his choice to live ? 
Only, he replied, to sound the gospel to a dying world. As they 
were about leaving him, he gave them the parting hand, and said, 
I shall hail you welcome home to heaven. On Sabbath morning 
he was visited by a young brother in the ministry, who united with 
him in prayer and praise. He exhorted him to be faithful unto 
death. He exhorted those who called upon him, to continue 



132 

'Steadfast in the <:ause of the Lord, 9aying, " strait is the gate and 
Harrow is the way that leadeth unto life." One day while I was 
sitting by his bedside, he awoke from sleep and exclaimed, Bless 
the Lord, I have been dreaming of preaching. He appeared to bo 
much favoured with the presence of the Lord. From day to day 
he earnestly prayed for patience, that he might endure affliction. 
Sabbath, Jrept. 16th, he wrote a few lines in his Journal; as he 
dropped the pen, he said, this is the last I shall ever write, and I 
bless the Lord for strength thus far. For a few days he continued 
with much alteration, but on Friday be was in great distress, and 
all present thought the hour of death to him was near. As soon 
■as he was able to speak, he exclaimed, 

" There is glory, glory in my sou!, 
There is glory all around." 

At another time he said, 

"Jesus can make a dying bed, 
Feel soft as downy pillows are . 
While on his breast 1 lean my head 
And breathe my life out sweetly there." 

He exhorted those who had been the companions of his youth, 
!o choose Christ for their friend while in he-? lth, assuring them 
that when on the bed of death they would need salvation. I 
speak said he, of these things because I know them. You have 
all been kind to me, and I want your company in heaven. Oct. 8th, 
Elders Scales and Jordan visited him. Elder Scales asked him if 
he was perfectly satisfied in respect to the gospel he had preached, 
to which he replied : yes, were I to enjoy health I should preach 
the same gospel again. He continued in great distress of body 
until Sunday morning about 8 o'clock, when it pleased God to call 
him home, as we humbly trust to receive him to the leward of the 
faithful in glory. Just as he was breathing his last, he triumph- 
antly exclaimed, Bless the Lord, I am crossing the narrow stream. 
Tuesday, Oct. 16th, his funeral wa9 solemnized. Elder Jordan 
preached to a large congregation, from Rev. xiv. 13. And I heard 
a voice from heaven saying unto me, write, Blessed are the dead 
who d;e in the Lord from henceforth : yea, saith the pirit, that 
thev miy rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. 
The scene was truly solemn. may my soul hearken to the- 
voice which says, " Be ye also ready." C. STONE.. 



FINIS, 



LIBRARY OJF CONGRESS f| 



022 169 589 6 



■fJ4S ^Y* 



1 






